Job Discussion Forums

[ChetRock]

Hello,

Would anyone in Bekasi care to describe the current situation in the city?

From what I've read, it sounds like radical islamist groups are preparing for civil war. I'd like to hear a take on it from someone there.

Thanks.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/indonesian-mps-want-vigilante-crack-down-20100628-zf1j.html

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h4oRG_Htk45NcsMaBQOM8KDZISqwD9GOAM982

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/city/muslim-groups-talk-war-over-christianization/382952

[flingwing]

I read your post first thinking a correct answer would be the usual warning to use heightened awareness in the Bekasi area, avoid being near large gatherings until you're sure they're benign, and - if accosted - be ready to kill any MFer who wants to do you bodily harm over a religious matter.

But after considering those news article links, I believe your post is the best news I've heard in a long time. When I saw that news headline you posted, "Muslim Groups Talk War Over �Christianization�" I was reminded of the old saw, "you know you're bothering your enemies if they start complaining about you".

I think it's true with FPI. They're a bunch of empty-headed jerks with nothing better happening in their lives than to stir up trouble so they feel powerful. They use Islam as their excuse to bring some meaning and power into their otherwise miserable existences. If they didn't have Islam, they'd have to find some other excuse.

If you can, visit the Bekasi area and see for yourself what the "vibes" are like. I haven't been there for a long while so can't say. However, it has, from its beginning been a poorer, less-educated area of Jakarta. That, by itself, lends itself to Islam.

The fact is, the Arab culture that spawned Islam is already dead. It's undergoing its last gasp before Islam, itself, undergoes a reformation just as Christianity and the other major religions have. Unfortunately for humanity, Islam's reformation just started and will likely take a hundred years. If you have time to wait, Bekasi would be a nice place to live <grin>.

[Zorobabel]

You'll find that, while 'radicals' can come from any part of Indonesia, western Java (both West Java and Banten) tends to be quite conservative when compared to Jakarta proper or even Central Java. That's why if you look at attacks against religious minorities--Christian, Ahmadi, etc.--over the last two years or so, practically all of them were in heavily Sundanese areas.

FPI goon squads basically operate with impunity, as they're often covertly backed by local government officials. But unless you're planning to build a church or go clubbing during Ramadan, I don't think you have much to worry about.