Indonesia: Contrasts

We spent about two days and a night pierside in Jakarta, Indonesia. While not an inherently dangerous place, past history dictated more restrictions on liberty here than our other port visits. As a mark of some progress in that, this time we had a novel opportunity to bus into the center of Jakarta, to the site of several supermalls and high end tourist hotels. I proudly claim a Starbucks "Jakarta" mug as a souvenir of that adventure.


In terms of population, the Indonesia archipelago is the largest Muslim country in the world. I do not pretend to know Jakarta, much less Indonesia, from only this brief excursion. But I did come away with visual images that strongly speak to stark contrasts -- between eastern and western culture, and between poverty and opulence. Some samples:

Traffic is a challenge. Like everywhere in Asia, motor scooters are a popular way to get around, especially if you are young.

This is not the mall we visited. That mall was very high end, with stores from all over the world and a huge food court that included even a Pepper Lunch. Yes, Yokosuka readers, it was the same Pepper Lunch we enjoy in Japan.


East meets West. I am reminded that corporations are now larger than nations, in many ways.

Statuary abounds in this city.

Did I mention stark contrasts? These last four images speak of it more profoundly than any words I could conjure:

For whatever faults or problems we have, I believe America is still a pretty great place to live!