Job Discussion Forums

[ghost]

Have considered teaching in Indonesia soon, when the contracts finish in Taiwan (which is a country that ghost has never particularly enjoyed...).

How much anti western feeling is there in Indonesia - specifically in cities like Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Medan, and other cities with language schools?

Also are there cities which are predominantly Christian, and free from Muslim versus Christian tension?

Which places in Indonesia are Christians most welcome - and not Christian in the sense of practicing Bible toting Christians - but rather, simply 'non muslims?'

It is difficult to gauge from the news how much of an anti western vibe exists in Indonesia, because the media tends to focus on negatives....

Anyone currently living in Indonesia - it would be interesting to hear about the general vibe of the place with regard to the above.

ghost in Taichung, Taiwan (Certified teacher - B.A./B.Ed./M.A./T.E.S.L)

[ls650]

I spent a year teaching in Jakarta, with various trips throughout Java, Sulawesi, and Bali. I never encountered any anti-western or anti-Christian hostility or tension of any kind; in fact, if anything the people were very keen to learn more about western values and ideas.

Once, I saw a small boy selling handicrafts on a beach wearing a ratty T-shirt with a portrait of Bin Laden. When I asked him about the T-shirt he seemed to have little idea who Bin Laden was; he wore the T-shirt simply as clothing and not as a political statement.

There are remote regions where there is a lot of animosity between Christians and Muslims, but as a foreign teacher you are unlikely to visit those spots even on vacation.

BTW I found Jakarta to be a very crowded, polluted place to live. I would recommend you try to find work in one of the smaller cities. Transportation is relatively cheap if you want to visit Jakarta on holidays.

[phis]

I have lived in Medan for almost four years now and intend to stay. There seems to be a pretty equal three way split between muslim, buddhist and christian religions, so I have never noticed any overt hostility from one religious group or another.

Even in times of high worldwide tension, nothing very much seems to register here in Medan and life just seems to go on as normal. I have never felt in any way threatened here, and I am a woman living alone in a local neighbourhood (not a complex), and making full use of the local buses and bejaks, even late at night. I think I have used a taxi a maximum of ten times since I've been here.

Hope I'm not tempting fate with this message!

[gugelhupf]

There is a certain amount of anti-western feeling but this is confined to lunatic fringe groups like the FPI and is NOT shared by the general population. These are the idiots who burn flags and throw stones at embassies.

The only places sectarian conflicts have flared are those with very large minority communities living in close contact - such as in Ambon, or central Sulawesi and the like, and any violence has been directed at 'the other lot' rather than at foreigners.

The places I feel most comfortable in, ironically, are solidly muslim areas such as west Sumatra. The people in these areas are sufficiently secure in their own identity so as not to worry about the presence of minorities.

[TEAM_PAPUA]

The 3rd person has returned

[ghost]

Thank you for the replies.

In the past, when ghost travelled in majority muslim countries (Morocco, Jordan, Egypt) ghost was usually asked whether it was 'muslim'? this would be almost the first thing that people in those countries would ask....to situate themselves.

Ghost considers that kind of question to be rather annoying, because in most cases when ghost told the interlocutors that it was not muslim, the friendliness and desire to converse would often be cut short.

Does this situation exist in Indonesia - that is - do people have this tendency to ask you right away whether you are Muslim or Christian, or other?

Ghost in Taichung, Taiwan.

[Winmarr]

I's has never had any problem of a religious kind in Indo. On my's holiday to Sumatra a while back the only problem I's had was dodgy bus drivers who like techno. I's recommend trying Indonesia out, not least because people there like to refer to themselves in the third person.

[ls650]

[gugelhupf]

Perhaps he doesn't like the first person very much.

It is true that a common question in Indonesia (along with 'are you married?') is 'what is your religion?'

However, so long as the answer isn't staunch atheist you are unlikely to experience any prejudice.

[TEAM_PAPUA]

[happy_me]

same old thing dont take you daly walks in front of the Embassy and don't make your own Trouble, just respect everyone and your be fine.
______________________________________________________
U.S. Embassy Jakarta
U.S. Consulate General Surabaya
Warden Message
February 21, 2006

The U.S. Embassy reminds all Americans in Indonesia that the
information in the November 18, 2005 Travel Warning for Indonesia
remains valid. Recent demonstrations in Jakarta and elsewhere
against U.S. government facilities indicate that the possibility of
demonstrations throughout Indonesia remains high. Demonstrations are
often well planned and can turn violent. The U.S. Embassy wishes to
remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful
can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. American
citizens are urged to avoid the areas of demonstration if possible
and to exercise caution if within an area of demonstration. The
Embassy urges Americans to avoid crowds, maintain a low profile, and
to be vigilant about security at all times.

The Embassy strongly encourages Americans in Indonesia, including
short-term visitors, to register with the Embassy in Jakarta, the
Consulate General in Surabaya, or the Consular Agent in Bali.
Registration may be done on-line at
http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/consular/onlinereg.html or by telephone
to the numbers below.

Information on registration procedures, all security-related Travel
Warnings and Public Announcements, and recent Embassy warden messages
are posted on the Embassy�s website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov.
__________________________________________________________

[TEAM_PAPUA]

Notice how your employer never informs or warns you about the latest socio-political unrest

[guruengerish]

It took me a while to get used to the rather direct questions about religion, family, salary and even rent. but it's part of the culture, and you soon learn to say 'just usual'.

The only place in Java I found where people were a little 'aloof' and there were more speakers per 300metres than anywhere else, was in East Java - Malang.

The people had a nice smile,but my colleagues and I voted it the most boring city in the country. Never once were friends or myself invited to meet a local academic or family. We all felt somewhat like intruders.

But the West of Java is nice, and Central Java very friendly. Just listen to the advice of others, and don't head for the world's 3rd most polluted city; find a nice country town. As Phis says, there are nice places in Sumatra too.

I also pays to remember that there are more than 155million people on the island of Java, and there are plenty of places somewhat less crowded.