Job Discussion Forums

[Mr_Magoo]

I recently watched an advertisement claiming that happiness can only be found in Jakarta.

Is this true?

I have tried to contact the Indonesian Tourism Authority, but representatives
are out for lunch.

Even if this claim is not true, the advertisement is so creative and information-packed that I feel I need to move to Jakarta.

I have looked at Seoul as the soul of Asia, Malaysia as simply being Asia, and the 7 wonders of Thailand, yet I feel pulled towards true, enduring happiness.

I am in Mongolia - Mongolia Truly Miserable

[laughing_magpie06]

Well it's easier to get laid there than anywhere else i've been but apart from that I can't see how the pollution, traffic, decayed infrastructure, overcrowding, rats, lack of drainage and sewage, sickening displays of decadence in the face of extreme poverty and annoying in your face locals (hello mister) will make you happier than anywhere else.

[Mr_Magoo]

[laughing_magpie06]

To be honest i'm surprised Indonesia has such a sophisticated tourism advertisement. Sorry Mr Magoo (loved your cartoon) I spent 3 1/2 long years there and was only reporting honestly on what I saw. Give Jakarta and Java generally a wide berth, if you really want to see Indonesia go to Bali. It may leave a far more favourable impression.

Shopping in any world class malls in Jakarta will be more expensive than Singapore or more 'first world' cities, anything 'heritage' i'm surprised hasn't fallen down or been bulldozed for another mall, food is rubbish laden with overused oil. Getting laid, mmm if you play your cards right you won't pay anything at all.

[tanyakenapa]

If you really want to see Indonesia go to Bali?

I cant agree with that sorry. Bali is so over rated and touristy. If you really want to see the decent areas of Bali dont even venture near Kuta, well unless you want to see hookers, sidewalks with holes in them, rubbish, drunk Australians, traffic jams in Kuta around sun set. People annoying you on the street, for time share, drugs, a shag, you name it.

The only thing you might enjoy in Bali is a complimenty "happy ending"


Try Sulawesi or Sumatra

[malu]

The advert did make me smile. I can't imagine why anyone would want to come to Jakarta from overseas for the pleasure of it.

The advert lacked any mention of having to pay to enter the country (and stand in line at the VOA window for the priviledge), nothing about how to deal with taxi touts in arrivals, and no word about how long it will take you by road to get to your hotel.

Perhaps they could also add the caveat 'Bring your own bottle' at the end...

[Mr_Magoo]

The advertisement doesn't not contain ANY information: positive or negative.

It simply shows some cardboard cut out people in front of some rather sketchy backdrops.

The message is, I believe, come to Jakarta: but WHY?

Surely, there was a team of highly paid public relations, film makers, graphic designers, tourism experts, and managers involved. I can hardly imagine how they agreed on this advertisement.

Jakarta is the capital city of the largest Southeast Asian economy, right?

Amazed

[laughing_magpie06]

tanya, have you not encountered all those things you mentioned in Jakarta as well? Bali is not perfect but at least one can kick up and go to the beach and have a little fun. One can't even do that in Jakarta. Plus I find the Balinese much more hospitable than the islamic oriented Javanese folks. Remember most of the problems in Bali are most likely imported from their neighbours to the west.

[tanyakenapa]

hehehe ok you have a point but...

I certainly havent been offered a shag or a happy ending....unless I suppose they are bi or lesbians either way I would decline

I was offered drugs only once at the lobby of Pasaraya about 10 years ago, declined that also.

[Fishy]

I have to disagree with you laughing magpie. Jakarta definitely isn't for everyone, I completely understand that (although I love the place) but to say give Java a wide berth is nuts. I have seen so many places that have really moved me here.
Java is breathtakingly beautiful and has a beautiful culture. Personally I do get irritated by the selfish, greedy people I see every day in Jakarta, but these people are not all Islamic Indonesians and its wrong (and probably racist) to blame one ethnic group when there are many. I have spent lots of time outside Jakarta recently, travelling around and staying with my girlfriend's family in her kampung. Here I saw the real Java with warmth, kindness and generosity from most people I met. Also in a Muslim family, in a Muslim kampung I was made very welcome to stay there with them and accepted as one of the family.

Java is wonderful!!!!!

[laughing_magpie06]

I guess fishy each to their own. Over the years I spent in Indonesia the bulk of that was spent in Jakarta and I travelled through Sunda and Central Java extensively. Not much that I saw 'floated my boat'. Bandung was to my mind a smaller Jakarta and some sort of Indonesian strip mall for Jakartans on holiday. Traffic the same too. The beaches to the west were in my opinion poor compared to Bali and Central Java had a fascinating history but very poor infrastructure and still overcrowded. I probably do sound racist but have to say most of the problems i've encountered in Indonesia have been with muslims which is possibly becaue they are more sheltered and less (in many cases) educated.

One question-Has your girlfriend and / or her family asked you to convert yet?

tanya-you may find the happy ending only applies to guys and can be found throughout Blok M (particularly Melawai area) and Jalan Jaksa.

[Fishy]

[jane jensen]

Obviously Magpie hasn't done too much travelling throughout Java. Plenty of good ones r available - even better than the ones such as South Aus has to offer, u narrow-minded Aussie. Yes, we know who u r. U F.....g loser !

Sunda ? By that I think u mean West Java, Idiot ! Pelabuhan Ratu, Anyer n Carita ! There are many fine beaches along the coast of West Java, you Dickhead ! Some beaches around Indramayu n Cirebon r ok , not to mention all the beautiful beaches along the Javanese coastline.

U like your proverbs, don't u Maggie ? Albeit they're often used in an incorrect context. Look before you leap, stupid !

[laughing_magpie06]

Sunda? I'm a dickhead for knowing what the locals call it am I. Maybe it is you who is ignorant. Again you seem to know me back to front yet the name jane jenson somehow escapes me. Don't want to PM me and let on who you really are do you? I'm guessing you are a stooge from EF who looked up my personal file. Enlighten me please!

[Mr_Magoo]

With a passion like that, perhaps Jane was a consultant for that ridiculous advertisement.

I am sure that they bring in at least one bule expert to check the English; especially after that awful Visit Indonesia 2008 fiasco!