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| Jakarta holds a rich history and significance that often goes overlooked.
Indonesia has been a hub for international business since the spice wars, its history saturated with violence and foreign occupation.
During the period prior to Indonesia's independence in 1945, Dutch trade was primarily based out of Jakarta.
Throughout the city, colonial style infrastructure (roads, irrigation, architecture) reminds Indonesians of times since passed, but by no means forgotten.
Batavia, a port section in north Jakarta, has preserved the historical landmarks of the Dutch occupation era.
Old prisons, mansions, restaurants and museums, give visitors an authentic peek into a turbulent world.
After the Japanese fought for control of Singapore and pivotal Indonesian ports during WWII, the occupation more or less began to crumble.
Unlike some former British colonies (Hong Kong, Singapore etc) the Dutch infrastructure has actually been more of a hindrance to Jakarta's urban development than an aid.
During monsoon season the old Dutch drainage systems on occasion overflow, causing totally massive flooding. Which feels like a strange thing to see in such an enormous city.
It is the residents that reside in Jakarta's many impoverished slums ("kampungs") that truly feel the brunt of such a burden. |
Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any nation on earth.
While small minorities of Christians, Jews, Buddhist and Hindu (Bali) are also here, %99 of the population follows the Islamic faith.
Mosques (large,small, and massive) are scattered throughout the sprawling city.
At specific times during the day, starting before dawn, chanted prayer is projected from megaphones attached to the top of some of the Mosques.
More comparable to a song, the Arabic prayers are read live from the pages of the Koran and can often induce a semi-trance like state. Even if your not Muslim.
Although Indonesia is much more lenient than many Islamic societies, some women still dress in the traditional Muslim garb, as well as children and men.
Every hotel room in the country has an arrow or some other form of indication towards the location of Mecca, the holy city. Muslims are expected to pray in this direction five times a day.
Truly a moderate Islamic society, much of the population does not adhere to the tenants of Islam strictly.
Gambling is forbidden in the Koran. However it also happens to be one of the favorite pastimes in Indonesia, for the rich and poor.
Wherever you are in the city you can usually find a group of Indonesians playing cards (they have their own versions of poker), chess, or one of their various other games.
Alcohol is also prohibited for consumption by Muslims.
Besides the hundreds of top-notch high-class night clubs in Jakarta, Indonesians have a wide selection of local concoctions to induce a buzz and hangover like one never imagined.
Pork is clearly forbidden in the Koran.
So American's especially will notice that McDonald's (which is extremely popular here) has no Hamburger listed on the menu....in Indonesia the point is made clear, its not ham at all, rather a Beefburger.
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While Militant Islam's presence in Indonesia has taken a dramatic rise since 9/11, by and large the country remains a peaceful place.
In October 2002 two extremely powerful bombs were detonated in the bustling district of Kuta, on the popular paradise island of Bali
The bombs were strategically positioned in and in front of the two most popular nightclubs, in the heart of the tourist center, so foreign casualties were magnified.
In total hundreds of Australian, American, European and Indonesian lives were stolen, and the peaceful Hindu Island's reputation was tarnished.
9 out of 10 Indonesians condemn the bombing along with any form of violence conducted in the name of their religion.
However this country has the fifth largest populace in the world, a high percentage of which live in extreme poverty, and some see their only salvation through faith in Allah.
Radical Islam sees this as fertile ground for extremism. There are terrorist cells scattered throughout the 17,000+ islands that comprise the Archipelago of Indonesia... there are also extremists scattered throughout the fifty states of the U.S.
...One must look at things in perspective to the total population or else they too are a victim of terror.
Since October 2002 there has been a handful of bombings in Jakarta, all on a smaller scale than the Bali attack.
In 2003 a taxi packed with explosives was detonated at the lobby of the Marriott hotel in downtown Jakarta, killing several foreigners and Indonesians.
The same year a car attempted to smash through the front gate of the Australian embassy. It failed, detonating outside and causing mainly structural damage.
Attempts to lob grenades into embassies and even an expatriate high school have happened, all failing.
Security is now heightened throughout the country. Expect Satpams and soldiers to conduct bomb checks on every vehicle, be it taxi or privately owned, at almost all places you will visit.
Also expect security guards to conduct quick purse/bag checks when entering malls or other large public establishments.
Indonesians do not want foreign investors to lose faith in their turbulent economy. They are a peaceful people whose primary concern is happiness and security just like anyone else.
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The currency in Indonesia is called the Rupiah.
Currently on global exchange markets a US Dollar will equal 8-9,000 Rp depending on the day. However less than a decade ago the rate was much stronger, at 2,000 Rp to one US Dollar.
From Indonesia's Independence in 1945-1998 the country was under the rule of two leaders, Sukarno and General Suharto. While Sukarno is widely still considered a hero in the minds of Indonesians, General Suharto is not.
In 1998 a student led uprising was sparked when the military shot 6 college students at a demonstration and was further fanned by the South East Asian financial crisis occurring at the same time.
Peaceful protests turned into violent riots, with the police and military confronting tens of thousands of angry, hostile Indonesians throughout the streets of Jakarta.
In the end this turbulent conflict resulted in the ousting of the long-winded and iron-handed dictator.
A fierce, bloody, worthwhile struggle produced Indonesia's first democratic elections in history. Since that time there have been 6 presidents elected to office, as well as a legislative branch and congress.
Ironically because many foreigners and international businesses fled the country during the riots, the economy has never returned to the levels of growth and prosperity experienced under General Suharto. |
While many Indonesian's are not afforded the experiences of a higher education or elevated class position, their talent and beauty radiates through art.
Collectors the world over travel to Indonesia for the unparalleled craftsmanship of their woodworkers. Throughout Jakarta one can find stalls, stands, and stores, filled top to bottom with intricately breathtaking work.
Truly in this instance words cannot do justice. Upon entering one of Jakarta's many lush hotels, a guest will see entire walls decorated with infinitely complex creations, often carved out of one giant piece of wood.
Indonesia is famous for its rare Tik, a durable and beautiful tan colored wood that is also on the endangered species list.
The most attractive aspect to most westerners is of course the price. An amazing piece of work that would easily go for $7-$10,000 in the US, will cost you $500-$1,000 in Jakarta....and thats on the high end.
Indonesians are also exceptional musicians. Although the country is usually associated with their traditional Gamelan music, the real instrument of choice is the acoustic guitar.
Throughout Jakarta's thousands of bars and night clubs live bands play cover and original music, with the utmost skill. While some are better than others, the talent is unquestionable.
At almost every traffic light there will be live music performed right at your window, of course it is polite to give them a donation for their time.
Many musicians travel to Jakarta from all over Indonesia with the hope of getting work. Sadly, even the most celebrated artists don't make %1 of the profit that popular western musicians do.
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