Job Discussion Forums

[christyannemelendez]

Hello Everyone!

I am considering applying for an English teaching assistantship in Indonesia. I'm afraid I have kind of freaked myself out somewhat reading travel warnings and safety reports. Having grown up in a big city, I am well aware that the media can paint a far more dangerous picture than actually exists. I think Indonesia is a fascinating country and I don't want to scare myself into not applying if the fear is unwarranted.

So my question for those of you currently teaching in Indonesia is... do you consider Indonesia to be a relatively safe place to teach English?

I am a U.S. citizen, single, and female. My experience would be different in that my position would be secured by the US and Indonesian governments, so that does eliminate some insecurity.

Does anyone have any insight on safety in Indonesia that they would be willing to share? Especially any single women living and working in Indonesia?

Thank you!

Enjoy your travels!

[Quoven]

I'm sure that it depends on where the position is located.

[phis]

It's as safe as anywhere else in the modern world... and safer than many other countries! The majority of Indonesian are muslim... but largely practice a moderate form of the religion. There are extremists... but your chances of bumping into extremist behaviour is slim.

I am female, single and choose to live alone in the middle of the city, not in an expat enclave, and I have had no problems over the past 6 years. Hope I'm not tempting fate by saying that!!

However, your own behaviour will reflect on how you are treated. If, initially, you flirt outrageously with all the local boys in the street, don't be surprised when they pester the hell out of you and refuse to leave you alone whenever you leave the house. That being said, the pestering is rarely malicious. It is usually a misinterpretation of the signals you are giving out. Of course, it then gets to be even greater fun for them if they see you getting stressed out and/or hysterical!!

You live in a city, so are probably 'city-wise'. The rules apply to all cities in the world.... avoid certain areas in the city, especially at night... or make sure you don't go there alone. Watch out for petty crime like bag-snatching, etc. (A personal favourite of youths on motorbikes here in Indonesia).

To summarize, there are a lot of single females here in Indonesia and the vast majority of them do not have any problems. A few do.

[malu]

The various travel warnings tend to overstate risks. The most sensible one is usually the Brit FCO website.

There could be the odd sticky moment at the weekend in the usual trouble spots (like Makassar) if that lunatic church in Florida goes ahead with its koran burning publicity stunt. It is a good idea to give a wide berth to any sort of demonstation or protest in Indonesia.

[phis]

The problem with the travel warnings is that all governments are very quick to issue them, (fair enough, better to err on the safe side), but generally don't bother to follow up on the situation and change the status of the warning where appropriate. These 'high level risk' warnings can sometimes be on government websites months, and sometimes years, after any immediate danger has passed.

[midwest-magpie]

I am really glad that you posted this issue, christy. I am in almost the exact same situation. Single, white, female, and I have been offered a teaching position at the Wall Street Institute in Jakarta. I was all for it till I read the State Department description of the country. I've lived abroad, and in big cities as well. My bigger concerns are the lack of potable water (though I've dealt with that before), and the medical issues (it seems like there are a lot of diseases present).

Thank you for the answers so far - they do help ease my mind about the whole thing

[Henry_Cowell]

One note of caution: I'd be wary of choosing a screen name on an Internet forum that was identical to my real name. If "Christy Anne Melendez" is your real name, I strongly recommend that you choose a different screen name here. It's a matter of Internet security as much as real personal safety.

[Madame J]

Ack, I've always felt safer wandering around at night there than I ever have in my own country.

That said, bag snatching does seem to be on the rise. Keep a tight grip on your bag when you're on a motorbike (because you WILL travel that way at least occasionally!) or in a pedicab and you should be fine.

One more thing. Don't be as stupid as I was and automatically trust a (always male) guide when travelling just because they're a guide. Professionalism counts for very little there.

These things said, since returning to the UK I've been struck by how user friendly Indo is, in unexpected ways. I sorely miss being able to turn up at a bus station and be guaranteed to be leaving for any major city half an hour later.