This trip has certainly been one of contrasts. In my past postcard from Singapore, I said that “Hanoi, Vietnam is a struggling emerging market and Singapore to me is the jewel of the orient.” Well Jakarta falls someplace in between but definitely closer to Hanoi and in some respects worse of than Hanoi.

Jakarta is a city of ramshackle houses and huts that have gleaming towers popping up here and there. It is a city that has extreme contrasts between the haves and have not’s according to a friend. I absolutely agree with his assessment.

I am staying in the J. W. Marriott hotel which was bombed twice by a local terrorist group, most recently last year. Normally that would make one hesitate about staying in such a place but this hotel is a veritable fortress. You have to go through multiple levels of security to enter the complex including x-ray machines, canines, and body searches all with machinegun clad security looking on.

From my hotel room window I clearly view the ramshackle neighborhoods that are spotted throughout the area in-between those glass and metal skyscrapers. Periodically is the blaring call to prayer from the local Mosque. It truly is a crap-hole that is willing to do anything to become a member of regional organization.         

The traffic is incredibly horrible. There are virtually no discernable rules to the road; it’s basically a free for all. With people displaying the most selfish driving skills I’ve ever seen. There is no road courtesy here is Jakarta; it is in fact every man, woman and child for themselves.

I have no doubt that this could be the place finally gives me the runs! More later.        

Dave Bossert- Commentary

Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.