Jakarta: Land of Extremes

Looking out over Jakarta from a shopping mall -
©2011 Studio Deeba

Near Puncak ©2011 Studio Deeba

I look around this vast city and I must say it is easy to see everything in opposition.  The wealthy build their estates next door to the poorest of poor; They will pay thousands to install a chandelier but haggle over a two dollar variance in the installation fee; a family sleeps out in the open on the curb next to fast moving traffic and in front of a large home;  the young cannot afford shoes, but they own cell phones; Coffee shops aren't open early in the morning but instead are open until late hours of night. There are so many poor people that this has been, and still is, the norm for Jakarta.

The contradictions are interesting:
An old shed with new crates of
Coke, Pepsi and yummy Guinness,
The Old man walking with a cane versus
 the current mode of transportation for the younger generation.
©2011 Studio Deeba

My first impression was to believe this observation extremes was unique unto Jakarta, but after further contemplation, I know it's the same anywhere else in the world. In Chicago, Paris, New York, LA, Egypt, or in any community, you can see something similar, it's just not as obvious or perhaps as extreme.

What can I do about the poverty?  How can I help?  I think it happens in small ways.  I feel it is my responsibility to improve my life, my surroundings and my communities.  To protect and help those who cannot do for themselves (I mean REALLY can't do for themselves).  And to do it with no other agenda attached.  To live by example which, I have learned, is harder than the words describe.  

Vendors camp outside the front gates to homes
Here, thee security for the home is drinking
 coffee  ©2011 Studio Deeba

Prior to my arrival in Jakarta, I was supported through the kind and generous actions of my friends and family.  In return, I have tried to pass the giving on - pay it forward - to those in need in Jakarta, and not with money.  Sometimes it has involved listening to a colleague talk about the stress of the job, supporting a friend who quietly cried over the loss of her son to cancer several years ago, or encouraging the hopes of another through action, like training my assistant, Iden,  to become a decorative painter.

A construction site ©2011 Studio Deeba

 Jakarta is growing and its promise of a better way of living is on the horizon.  Pride and good work ethic are fast becoming the way of being for this society.  Construction is everywhere and the people of Indonesia are beginning to realize their independence.  Forty years ago they fought for Independence from the Dutch and won.  It's this determination that will help them continue to grow into their newly found freedom.  Forty years is nothing when we think of the opportunity for a better way of life.  They've also had recent struggles against those they might believe to be their foe but may turn out to be their best allies; the Chinese and Japanese who bring much opportunity (along with control) and money to this land.

A peaceful Vendor providing for his family
©2011 Studio Deeba

The headlines of Friday's paper said that Random Murders were on the rise and that theft is increasing.  The poor are getting more and more angry as they look at the development of their land and realize they don't have a "profitable" hand in it. Corruption in the government is everywhere, even though they are trying to eradicate it.  And to make matters worse, there is a definite cast system here.   Sound familiar?

This is not endemic to just Jakarta, but this sentiment is going around our world today.  We have to realize we are all in this together and begin to see those who have "something" are not always better off.  We must look within and be the best that we can be and quit looking at the next person and wanting what they have or feeling "less than" because we don't have it.  

A woman beautifully dressed,
 picking up twigs in the rain forest for a fire
©2011 Studio Deeba

But!  As in the rest of the world, in Jakarta, the beautiful people who work hard to provide for their families. Only they do it with a smile.  I have never experienced such a desire for happiness as I have here in Jakarta.  This is beautiful.  I can always just walk around outside or in the mall and people are so friendly.  It's a good foundation to build upon.

If we want to effect humanitarian change, why not within ourselves first?  Quit pointing fingers and just get on with being the best persons we can be.  Take responsibility for our actions and stop blaming others.  We need to have the courage to say "I am responsible."  We need to take action for not only our betterment, but for that of our fellow man - no strings attached (i.e. getting religion involved or political agendas supported).  Get involved to effect change, not just complain about it or use it as a reason to riot.  Move into the arena and participate.  Become a politician if you believe politics are not going in the right direction.  Pick up litter if you see it.  Provide shelter for a friend in need.  Help someone cross the street...you get it.  And, we need to see beauty in the least beautiful of places (it could be within our own heart) and support it to grow.

Change can begin within myself and then move outward not for any other reason than it is good and the right action.

Just a thought I had while being driven to work one day.  hmmmmmmm.....