I stumbled upon a letter from a reader in the Jakarta Post, that I will quote here:
My name is Daniel Rais Abin. I am a 19-year-old hotel management trainee living in Portugal. I spent the first twelve years of my life in Jakarta together with my parents and my younger brother.
In 2001, we moved to Germany (after my parent’s divorce) as my mother is German. I moved to Portugal after finishing my Abitur.
Every year, I come and visit my father and grandparents in Jakarta. I never noticed the things I am about to write about here because they all seemed normal to me. Maybe that is the problem — everybody takes the Jakarta of today as it is. It seems normal to everyone.
A few days ago, I was on my way to one of the many walls here in Jakarta when I suddenly noticed, recognized and understood something.
As we were passing the new advertisements for Kemang Village and The Mansion, I also noticed some youngsters around my age just sitting around on the streets. I came to think, do they have a bright future? Do they have the same chances in life that I have?
Shortly after, I also saw a beggar knocking on a window of an expensive car asking for small change. He held a starving child who looked very weak, maybe even sick, in his arms. They were sent away with just a simple snobby wave of the driver’s hand.
At that moment it came to me. The Jakarta of today is too focused on becoming a wealthy tourist city and pleasing the wealthy rather than trying to save the majority of its people from poverty.
Everywhere you look, you can find luxury homes. Since I moved to Germany in 2001, the number of malls here has increased significantly. Logically, most of the shops in the malls are not affordable for the majority of Jakartans.
Instead, of investing in expensive luxury facilities, just to fill up the almost unending bank accounts of the investors, why not invest in affordable homes for low-income families? Why not fill up on good conscience and at the same time help the ones who are in need of financial support?
The most probable answer is that it won’t bring in as much money as a luxury facility would. This goes without further question. But don’t investors have enough money?
Maybe, a company could make money by, for example, building a facility for low-income families under their name. Is it not highly probable that more people might want the products of a socially active company?
Another subject which I want to mention is the mentality of the wealthy. Many people I have talked to here — young and old — are more interested in materialism than social thoughts.
They are too busy trying to polish and decorate their important reputation with very expensive objects such as cars, phones, mansions and jewelry even though they possess a sufficient number of these items, to look out the window and face reality.
Again, in my opinion, this does not have to be. I don’t want to offend anyone by writing this.
I am not one to judge anyone. All I want is for people to start thinking about these things. I hope that even though I am young, people will take this article seriously for the good of the wonderful, innocent people of Jakarta.
This kid isn’t even 100% Jakartan, but what he talks about is what we, Indonesians, Jakartans, the Jakartan government and the Indonesian government (their headquarters are, after all, in this city) should be thinking of planning and doing.
I, for one, am taking this article seriously. I think if more of us start thinking like him – I admit to sometimes benig interested more in materialism than social thoughts, but I also try to balance it out – this way of thinking will slowly spread and infect more and more people.
I can already imagine a better Jakarta. A Jakarta that is kinder to the less fortunate, a kind city, social, cares about other things than just the rich, a city that will be the example to other cities, that will in turn change and be as good, if not better, as Jakarta. If this keeps on happening, before you know it, Indonesia will be back on its feet, bigger and better than ever.
This superficial and materialistic mentality that we have MUST go, kindness and compassion MUST prevail. Please write about this in your blogs and infect as many people as you can!
Nice writing. You are on my RSS reader now so I can read more from you down the road.
Allen Taylor
Rima, Jakarta is the most densely populated, polluted, corrupt with widespread poverty and unemployment. I think instead of building affordable housing and facilities (that will bring more people from the villages to move to Jakarta), it is much better to create more jobs in the provinces that will spur growth and a better life for the people.
“it’s true, but for the ones already living in jakarta, i think these housings are imparative.. cos as daniel said, there are plenty of luxury and expensive housing, but not so much that caters to the middle to lower income families.”
Rim, J.A.K.A.R.T.A suka diplesetin begini …
Jambret Ada, Koruptor Ada, Rampok Tentu Ada
“wah, baru denger nih.. hehehe”
he is so damn correct. as a social liberalist, i agree a hundred per cent with everything he said.
“me too!”
When a child is doing poorly, the parents should get a mirror and ask themselves, “What did we do wrong?” If a child is too materialistic -having supper at places like Blowfish and the like- shouldn’t the parents stop babying them and have them earn their own money?
Materialistic kids = lazy = snob = poor mentality of the wealthy.
Yes, I do agree with Daniel.
“and that mentality will easily make them think that everything is all about them and that they are untouchable therefore able to do anything”
LOL. So ironically true. And the new governor Mr. Fauzi Bowo (so glad you’re not related to him Rims) is not doing anything to make this city better – instead, he makes it worse! Total genius.
“I am in no way related to fauzi bowo or ikang fauzi..”
If the government could redo Jakarta like the Thai did with Bangkok, perhaps there is still hope for Jakarta.
Bangkok was not that much different from Jakarta back then, but the Thai government redid the city by improving their public transportation (it’s as good as the new Connex trains in Melbourne!) and they even have free clean water taps to drink in various parts of the city!
Now the last thing baffles me; with the kind of Indonesian mentality, if the government does the same thing, someone would just quickly come with a hose and steal the water quick.
The question is; if the Jakartan government is willing to improve the city, will the people residing it in be supportive, or making it harder?
Take Busway for example. It was probably meant as a good idea (at that time) but the commuters can’t hardly learn how to queue neatly just to get on the bus. Instead, they push and pull as if they’re taking one of the MRT trains in Tokyo, even though the buses come every 10 minutes.
“if only.. I would have thought the government can learn something from our neighbors, but no, they didn’t.. “
*beware long comment
one thing that he didn’t know is, some of the beggars now were organized.
the children/infant that they carry were not theirs.
Why could I say this?
I once sought some beggar come off from a “new kijang” with laugh and healthy status, after the “seems to be” their supervisor gave some briefing, they spread out. maybe after some times, they came back to their rondevouz point and went back to where ever they live.
I’m not exactly a person who chase money over time but, beggars and “trash taker (pemulung?)” were becoming a job now not just a victim of circumstances anymore.
just plain calculation.
a beggar got Rp.500 from a person, multiply by 100 in that day than he/she would get Rp.50.000 that day, minus 10.000 from eat (if some volunteer gave them foods then no minus then) it would be Rp.40.000.
multiply it by 30 days it would be Rp.1.200.000. net, no tax. Hey.. thats even bigger than the Jakarta standar minimum weight Rp.1.100.000 gross minus 10% tax.
Imagine if a beggars stay at a strategic point and earn Rp.100.000 – Rp.150.000 a day. shoot.. Rp. 3 mil – 4,5 mil a months…
Don’t say that it still nothing, imagine if all the family become beggars father, mother and children(after school). imagine their income for a day.
about the jokes about beggar giving a return money, try it in the noon/evening when they when for eat at some warteg, damn, they may smell, but they had more money on the pocket than me in my wallet.
“That’s true woel, but i would think that there are real beggars out there who really do not have anything.. but anyway, what is more important is how he talks about the ever expanding malls and luxury homes. as if all jakartans are billionaires. that is disturbing, dont you think?”
“But don’t investors have enough money?”
Investors never have enough money. That’s why they are investors. They want more and more and more.
“yeah, they’re like the devil, you sold them your soul but they will always come back for more.”
Rima…
My apologies for the long comment that is sure to follow. I want to comment on the points posed by Daniel and then conclude with a thought. Some might see a contradiction between my comments and my thought, but there is not a contradiction there
“no problem, Rob”
What’s normal for Jakarta?
It is always easy to blame the apathy of some people for the ills of others. If this kid was truly committed to his ideals of fairness and balance in society then he would come back to Indonesia start an NGO and devote the rest of his life to saving the world (well at least Jakarta).
I admire idealism but sometimes this idealism needs to be tempered with a good dose of reality and real world life experiences.
“you are of course right, but I feel that this kid’s idealism is a good thing, even if he doesn’t come back and join and NGO etc. At least he thinks about this and at a such early age too. Most Indonesian teenagers are nowhere near him when it comes to thoughts of matters like this. I see many Indonesians joining NGOs and are idealistic in their work, a very good thing, but there are so bloody many more who does not give a damn! If only every single one of Indonesians do their part to keep the country clean, for example, we will not be in such a mess. And that is just one example, many more I can bring up. I think I’m gonna write about this”
I do not give change to every beggar that knocks on the window of the car that I am in, this includes kids. If I gave every beggar that knocked on the window or approached me in the street, then I could be easily giving away 25K per day. This might not be a huge sum in the big scheme of things but over time it all adds up!
Some of the major intersections in Jakarta are well-organized and well-oiled machines where a great deal of money is being made. It is the syndication of begging which has seen some jurisdictions entertain and even enact legislation which prohibits begging (I have written on this before).
The contribution I make might make one beggar’s life a little more bearable for a day but it certainly does not address the core underlying problems.
I would prefer to offer a regular sum to an NGO that is focused on intervention programs that provide opportunities to beggars to better their lot through education or micro-financing a business initiative or something similar.
“This I agree with you a hundred percents. When I see a beggar, I try to give them food instead of money. Or contribute to an NGO or ‘yayasan’ that helps this people”
The idea of a social liberal democracy that applies a progressive tax system such as Indonesia claims to be is that the government draws in revenue from tax with a view to providing, at least in part, social assistance programs to the less fortunate. The other aspects would include driving economic growth to create jobs, making education affordable, healthcare and the like. This is not being done effectively or efficiently and hence the huge numbers of Indonesians on or below the poverty line.
“exactly, I have written about this so many times, in my blog or comments in other people’s blogs. it’s not easy, but it’s not impossible either to improve those points you mentioned above efficiently and effectively.”
Specific issues. Jakarta is not interested in becoming a wealthy tourist city. There is already great wealth in Jakarta. What this kid noticed was the disparity in the distribution of that wealth. Perhaps taxing the rich more is an option, although undoubtedly unpopular among the upper echelons of Indonesian society (and the cynic in me says, unlikely).
“I have also written about this, but instead, I read in JP that the government is reducing income tax starting this year. Go figure!”
Low-income housing is also already a reality! There is not only legislation in place, but land has already been procured and investments made. This in and of itself does not and will not satisfy the housing needs of Jakarta’s (and Indonesia’s) urban poor. It is a start though, the reality is that it will never be enough.
“not enough, and the fact is, the housing projects were intended for the poor, but in reality, investors buy a lot of units in these projects, for their investments. that is just frustrating!”
Human nature means that we are generally never satisfied with out lot. Why have one when we could have two. Most of my students, for example, have two mobile phones. A person might have two ears but they have only one mouth. So, I am guessing one phone is for conversations and the other is for texting.
“I am also amazed at this phenomenon. I have one phone, and I have no need, nor do i think i will, for two or more phones. Not unless i become a tycoon with multi businesses.”
I hope that one day people take on a more social conscience and make more contributions to those less fortunate than themselves. If for no other reasons than to feel good that you have made a positive contribution to someone else’s life experience.
“that kind of good samaritan mentality is what we Indonesians have to start nourishing in our hearts and minds”
Perhaps what needs to be said here is that maybe on a real personal level we need to be the first rock dropped into the pond and allow the ripples of our social activism to disperse far and wide.
I have read somewhere that the flap of a butterflies wings today could be the typhoon of tomorrow.
“Perhaps. I think a good idea and good deed, however small it may be will make a difference.”
Rima,
Nice to know you. Well I just hope you keep writing. We badly need new energy constantly to push forward this change movement, as others are beginning to fade away … or retiring.
Best, Laler
“I will keep on writing! thanks for the encouragement!”
Jakarta has become only for the riches. The irony is that working and lower class are also needed to provide the services for the riches.
Instead of setting some parks to repare the air quality, malls are built almost everywhere. When visiting Jakarta last year, I was amazed to see many indoor playgrounds. Children need to go out play, instead of locking themselves (or by their parents) in some buildings to be able to play.
“yes it is. it has recently estimated that jakarta is at no 84 or the most expensive cities to live in. more ex than malaysia, bangkok, washington and boston!”
So many comments! I am going to come out in defence of Jakarta and its residents:
1. There are millions of Jakartans who are caring and give a damn. The fact that the (mythical?) Kijang-owning beggar exists is proof! No-one would beg if there wasn’t a guaranteed return.
2. I have sat in traffic jams and watched beggars work the line of cars. My guess is that 1 out of 4 cars give money. That’s 25%.
3. I am on the committee for the Priscilla Hall Memorial Foundation, which is a child/youth focused charity and I am constantly stunned by the amazing people that I encounter. People that have given up their lives, like Mike and Jev at Mama Sayang, who hve set up and run an orphanage for 120 kids and the guys at Rasa Meja Depan, who provide a home and education for street kids. A couple of months ago, I met a bule woman (and nurse) who has lived here for 30 years. She visits the prisons to provide free health care to male prisoners, some of whom are murderers and rapists. She has set up a free clinic in her home.
4. Two years ago, my entire staff voted to spend their annual retreat in Yogya regency, where we cleared rubble, made bricks and generally helped a village clean up the enormous mess.
What’s missing is a lead from Government and local big business. I say “local” because foreign investors will almost definitely have corporate social responsibility plans in place. If they don’t, they should be bloody ashamed.
“Thanks hunny bun for the explanation.. It’s good to know that you and the people in the foundation are kind and striving to make a change.. I am sure there are many foundations alike, and I really hope that you guys will at the end prevail.
Indonesia is such a beautiful country with people of beautiful and diverse culture. It will be a very sad thing to see it burn in flames one day with nothing to show ..
And yes, I think that the critique is directed mainly at the government. At least, mine was..”
The guy is right. Very much so.
The problem is: can you change the situation by changing people – to make selfish, greedy people better, altruistic people? Answer: No.
So, if you want change you have to organize it. By politics, by redistribution of power.
Jakarta – and Indonesia at large – might benefit from some charismatic statesmen who know who you canvass successfully for issues like
- creating a progressive tax system and scrupulous imposing tax collection.
- a housing policy in which construction firms get a building permit only if they build, say 50% of the project by way of social housing ( low rents)
- etc.
You hardly can expect Golkar, f.i., to present such statesmen, do you?
“You are right, but we are short of charismatic and noble statesmen. Every single one of them have a hidden agenda which benefits their own groups. So it’s highly unlikely we will have a positive change anytime soon. I am hearing that the younger generation are starting to speak up and may be nominate themselves for the next presidency.. let’s see how THAT pans out..
btw. crooks nowadays are not only in Golkar, every single one of the bezillion parties we have in the country have their own share of crooks and corrupt politicians”
What about getting the Singaporean adminstration to come over and run the place for a while? They have a proven track record, but, and this is a big but, would the locals here stand for that. Could they accept what is needed to delivery a “better” Jakarta what ever that means.
See I think to social fabric is so thin and ripped that each person is for him/herself, whether they are rich or poor, the social culture is the same.
I do like it here, and hope that is some small way I can make a very small contribution, be it sponsoring 2 school childrens education or giving someone a job or securing many jobs by improving a business here.
Ideas are cheap, implementation is always the most difficult.
“We can try it, but I doubt anybody would want somebody that looks like they belong from the minority group (chinese) to rule the country. Some Indonesians strongly think that minority should not have any power, any say, any choice, any rights etc. and these people are sadly the ones in power.”
@gjjakarta – When I see a Singaporean administrator – who most probably will be chinese – running the Indonesian government, that will be the day the world stands still.
One can only hope. Because he/she has the risk that if failing, a group of unknown mob will come to their house and rape their wives and daughters.
Ooops. Gone to far.
I always think that Jakarta must be rebuild…
it’s like everything here is out of control..
“I think so too. But rebuilding Jakarta is not easy, it’s like trying to straighten out a giant thread ball mess.. you dont know how to start. We can’t just destroy the whole city and rebuild the whole thing, can we? cos if we can, that would be the best solution.”
Government starts to think about the less fortunate people by supporting “rusunami” affordable apartment for people with monthly income max 4.5 mio/months, see this: http://www.rusunami.net/database/kalibata-residences, http://panduanrumah.com/2008/06/09/skema-pembayaran-apartemen-tanjung-kalibata/.
But the fact is, people with more income than that who bought these affordable apartment.
“Yes, I heard of a similar thing that is now in the building process in south of jakarta, lebak bulus. Also, the buyers are those who are rich who would like to have it because it’s cheap and good investment. They will drive the price higher in the future which will deprive people with limited income their housing”
Again, rich people win
“They always do, dear
”
only in our dream..haha.. i don’t think the Government will do such thing..well, the story might be different if we had too much money..
however, i still think it’s the best solution we have so far and it’s like fairytale.. XD
“Let’s see how it pans out, lah.. “
Sometimes I have this evil thought that Jakarta could only rebuild itself if it was hit by a large tsunami. Just wipe out the entire city, and the people had to suffer (rich and poor) in order for them to unite together and make the city a better place to live.
Evil, right?
“Yes, you are evil.. bwaahhahaaahh (evil laugh maksudnyah.. lol)”
I’m ashamed of myself for not reading this on Jakarta Post, when in fact it’s the city where I live and grow up. It is you, who lives in Belgia, coming up with this obnoxious issues.
Thanks for sharing
I’ll continue to spread the words on my blog as well 
“no need to feel ashamed… but thanks for spreading the words!”
 A very honest openion of Indonesia.Indonesia adapted an Islam totally different. The cult of Islam which Indonesia believes in, is terror, arson, rape and massacres. I refer to” Indonesia Atlas Shrugs”. An Islam with a devotion to bloodshed entertainment.The Jemaah Islamiah an Islamist-Guerilla-Militants-Network is synonyms to Indonesia. Islamiah attacks America in Bali and Jakarta.The KPK is an Indonesian Governmental Commission set up to eradicate corruption and terrorsim. KPK needs our cooperation.KPK needs names of groups and individuals who are Islamiah activists or sympathize with Islam terror.I just can name one spesific location in South Jakarta, Tebet Timur Dalam. Where Islam schools do teach anti American slogans and teach do-it-yourself -jihad.They inject Islam NGO”’’s with hatred against America.The question is a very good openion of Islam in Indonesia. Indeed, to challenge, is not much one of adapting Islam to Indonesia. But adapting Indonesia to Islamtoday 16th.September,2009. Meini Listanti.
“Well said. Thanks Meini..”
I gave up Mbak Rima. You cant change the mentality of Jakartans. Now, I am living in Germany, next year, back to Yogya, where I had been for 15 years before moved to Europe. Jakarta, is curiously, followed by other cities as model, despite its failures. I hope Yogya has its own way developing itself, and I mean a much better way: developing its citizens.
“Dont give up now.. come on.. you can change things, bit by bit. I”m sure of it..”
My name is W. Adrian Devi id:41059042 and I come from the South of Jakarta.Poverty and despair drive us Indonesian Nation to commit crimes of all kind. Anything we do we do it to earn more and more money. We are a people the more we have the more we want and this urge for Rupiah is to such extend that we are ready to Sell Allah for just a little sum of Rupiah as if Rupiah is our God. Crime is the best income and easy money. We get involved in any sort of money making like terrorism and jihad, sales of drugs and ammunition, prostitution and peadophilia. These are very common nocturnal professions one meet in South Jakarta.Ref: ” The Wisdom of Whores” by Elizabeth Pisani. A true and accurate description of the Night life in Jakarta.South Jakarta is the center for jihad academy and belief in a second life of human-suicide for the benefit of Islam. Most of the human-bombs comes from among the Muslims orphans who are given shelter and food at the Islamic Boarding Schools. The Jihadi Institutions in Jakarta can never be controlled and persist to remain difficult to the Nation. Great support and funds are being invested by Islamic productive companies that enjoy the pleasures of bloodshed entertainment. Ref: Mullah Omar.Whats happening today with the shutting up the cries of Jabril Rahman the prince of jihad is just a minor stuff out of the masterminds in the fortified South Jakarta Domain. Just wait and see.