Bandung, Indonesia (14-17 Sep 09)
Bandung is a city of 9 million people and growing. It is a sprawling urban mass spread across a huge mountain plateau 750m above sea level and surrounded by mountains. The buildings are low in height by developed country standards, and you will seldom see a building more than 3 or 4 storeys high. I'm not sure if it lies in the earthquake zone, but that would explain the lack of towering skyscrapers. The first visual impression I had of Bandung was when my plane was about to land. The ubiquitous orange clay roof-tops were very distinctive. Sporadic patches of crop land dotted the urban landscape.
Aerial view of part of Bandung
From what I read from the internet, Bandung is one of Indonesia's intellectual capitals, with many universities and schools. It is also known internationally for its cheap fake branded goods as well as authentic local fashion design brands not found elsewhere. Many tourists come specially to shop for shoes, jeans and jackets produced in factories around Bandung. Jarkarta residents are also known to drive 2 hours to spend the weekend shopping and eating there.
My domestic worker and I having Sudanese food
The reason for my visit was to visit my domestic worker's family. She is only 2 years older than me and has been working for my family for nearly 10 years. She has two teenage children and a deceased husband. She is the sole breadwinner for her family, including her parents. She was my tour guide and interpretator.
While many people are poor, the streets are not filled with beggars like what you see in India and a few other developing countries. From fly-by observations from my rented taxi, the people seem contented with their lot, and get by with simple trading of goods and services. Bandung feels like one of the most peaceful places I've been to. The people seem happy.
One of the many roadside stalls. Delicious fried beancurd, banana and vegetables in flour. Served fresh and piping hot.
Bandung is blessed with rich natural resources, such as plenty of clean fresh water from the mountains, fertile land for growing crops from volcanic soil and just plenty and plenty of space. Not to mention hot springs, natural scenery and volcanic geographical features.
Tea plantation 2000m above sea level
I visited during the fasting month of Ramadan, so the city was much less busy then usual, because many of the city residents have returned to their home villages and towns to fast and spend time with their families. On the day of Hari Raya Puasa, there would be festivities on the streets, people would dress up in their finest clothes and visit their relatives.
A resthouse in Garut, my domestic worker's home town an hour's drive from Bandung. The wall is made of handwoven bamboo.
When I arrived at her house, I was a little surprised to find that it has all the modern amenities such as a television, a fridge, fresh water from the tap and electricity. The cost of living there is so low that a Singaporean domestic worker's wages is comparable to that of a public school teacher, which is the second highest paying profession after being in the police force. Speaking of which, the police force demands at least a S$1000 bribe to just secure an interview with the police force, after which if accepted, the candidate is set for life, with monthly wages of more than S$1000 that is a cause for envy and pride locally.
Rice field in Garut
My domestic worker's family stays in a compound that included several houses that accommodated members of her extended family, including aunties, uncles and cousins. I really envied their communal way of living, a luxury ill afforded in Singapore with its lack of space. The back of her compound gives way to a stunning vista of rice fields and crop lands that extended all the way to the distant mountains.
House in Garut belonging to a 'haji' family. 'Haji' is a derogatory term for rich people, as they can afford the pilgrimage to Mecca. The house belongs to someone in the teaching profession and took a number of years to build.
The centre yard of the family compound.
Deepak, her adopted son, 18 months old, and devilishly adorable.
Deepak. He cried when we left the house to return to the hotel.
Deepak and I at the backyard.
From left - my domestic worker's mum, son and aunt
It is nice to be reminded that a happy simple way of life is indeed a possibility somewhere.
Aerial view of part of Bandung
From what I read from the internet, Bandung is one of Indonesia's intellectual capitals, with many universities and schools. It is also known internationally for its cheap fake branded goods as well as authentic local fashion design brands not found elsewhere. Many tourists come specially to shop for shoes, jeans and jackets produced in factories around Bandung. Jarkarta residents are also known to drive 2 hours to spend the weekend shopping and eating there.
My domestic worker and I having Sudanese food
The reason for my visit was to visit my domestic worker's family. She is only 2 years older than me and has been working for my family for nearly 10 years. She has two teenage children and a deceased husband. She is the sole breadwinner for her family, including her parents. She was my tour guide and interpretator.
While many people are poor, the streets are not filled with beggars like what you see in India and a few other developing countries. From fly-by observations from my rented taxi, the people seem contented with their lot, and get by with simple trading of goods and services. Bandung feels like one of the most peaceful places I've been to. The people seem happy.
One of the many roadside stalls. Delicious fried beancurd, banana and vegetables in flour. Served fresh and piping hot.
Bandung is blessed with rich natural resources, such as plenty of clean fresh water from the mountains, fertile land for growing crops from volcanic soil and just plenty and plenty of space. Not to mention hot springs, natural scenery and volcanic geographical features.
Tea plantation 2000m above sea level
I visited during the fasting month of Ramadan, so the city was much less busy then usual, because many of the city residents have returned to their home villages and towns to fast and spend time with their families. On the day of Hari Raya Puasa, there would be festivities on the streets, people would dress up in their finest clothes and visit their relatives.
A resthouse in Garut, my domestic worker's home town an hour's drive from Bandung. The wall is made of handwoven bamboo.
When I arrived at her house, I was a little surprised to find that it has all the modern amenities such as a television, a fridge, fresh water from the tap and electricity. The cost of living there is so low that a Singaporean domestic worker's wages is comparable to that of a public school teacher, which is the second highest paying profession after being in the police force. Speaking of which, the police force demands at least a S$1000 bribe to just secure an interview with the police force, after which if accepted, the candidate is set for life, with monthly wages of more than S$1000 that is a cause for envy and pride locally.
Rice field in Garut
My domestic worker's family stays in a compound that included several houses that accommodated members of her extended family, including aunties, uncles and cousins. I really envied their communal way of living, a luxury ill afforded in Singapore with its lack of space. The back of her compound gives way to a stunning vista of rice fields and crop lands that extended all the way to the distant mountains.
House in Garut belonging to a 'haji' family. 'Haji' is a derogatory term for rich people, as they can afford the pilgrimage to Mecca. The house belongs to someone in the teaching profession and took a number of years to build.
The centre yard of the family compound.
Deepak, her adopted son, 18 months old, and devilishly adorable.
Deepak. He cried when we left the house to return to the hotel.
Deepak and I at the backyard.
From left - my domestic worker's mum, son and aunt
It is nice to be reminded that a happy simple way of life is indeed a possibility somewhere.