Misconceptions about Indonesia!!!

While writing this blog and sitting in my hotel room, I am listening to the prayers in Indonesia. The call to prayers(muezzin) just fill the air and it can be heard from anywhere in the city. It is a very interesting sound to hear, even scary if one does not know what is going on. I have never been to a country where religion is such a huge part of people's lives. No traffic on the roads by the hotel, and in many offices, employees gather in a prayer room. Indonesia is a complete other way of doing business and living religion and life.

By the way, this might be a good place to add this. There are many misconceptions about Indonesia and I am thankful that I was able to get rid of all my preconceived stereotypes about Indonesians. I am not saying I am an expert but just commenting on some of my observations.

1) It is not very obvious that this country is muslim (at least Jakarta). Yes you hear the muezzin and yes you have to be more covered up than what is accepted in the US. But people do show some skin. They were short dresses, just longer than we do. I can easily count how many people I have seen with dresses that cover both arms and legs, long enough to sweep the floor. See the picture for both types of dressing up. I have not felt unsafe here at all. It seems that very few Indonesians are actually extremist muslims. Most are moderate and believe in democracy. Just an opinion! I have not been here long enough to be an expert!!!

2) Most importantly, Indonesians are just nice. No where that I went to alone or in a group was I poorly received. I can see that my speaking english and my color do confuse people, but I am still very welcomed here. Anyone who would like to come to Indonesia, go for it!!! Heads up though: Prepare to sing or karaoke. They love that and it is expected to do the same!!! Stay tune for another post where we are singing and dancing.

3) There is a lot of poverty here. 50% of the population lives on less than $2/day. At the same time, there is a lot of wealth here. Most malls here are majestuous, more so than some American malls actually. So when and if any of you come to Indonesia, expect to see poverty but also a lot of wealth!!