Job Discussion Forums

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

Anyone have some stories to share regarding the 2 bombs earlier today? I live about 500m from each (as the crow flies), but didn't hear the blasts. About to jump on my pushbike and assess the scenes now.

Very disappointing, considering we had gone 4 years without something like this in the city. Indonesians deserve better.

Just as international artists, athletes and so forth were beginning to 'brave' Jakarta. Manchester United players were due to stay at the Ritz Carlton this weekend. I imagine their game against Indonesia scheduled for Monday will almost certainly be cancelled now.

Ozindo · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 40 Location: Indonesia

Not stories, Rayman, just a hope. A hope that people aren't put off by this latest series of attrocities.
Colleagues today have been kept busy reassuring their folks "back home" that they're OK, after the blare of media publicity again focuses on Indonesia for all the wrong reasons.
There are more than 200 million people in this country and a handful or so are involved in this sort of violence. The overwhelming majority are welcoming of, kind to and caring about us expats. I still feel safe here - much safer than I did in my country of origin.
To those who are planning to come here to work, I'd say: Think carefully before you change your plans.
These latest bombs join a growing list of similar incidents ranging across the globe - horrible, barbaric, terribly sad, but unfortunately a very ugly part of our world today.
As Rayman says, Indonesia deserves better (but then, so did London, Madrid, Mumbai, New York... and so many other places).

father Mackenzie · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 105 Location: Jakarta Barat

I echo Ozindos sentiments about new teachers coming here. Dont be put off by the media reports focusing on Indonesia.
I enjoy working and living here and feel safe travelling through Jakarta and around the country that is one of the reasons I choose to stay.
It is a sad day for Indonesia which is working so hard to make itself stronger and improve its reputation.
I have spoken to some new teachers today, who are coming here in the next few weeks and they are still more than happy that they are coming and are not put off by todays events.