1. Family and friends
There is no explanation needed for that, methinks. You grow up with them, you get along with them; there were talks; there were feuds; but they grow closer to your heart when you are further apart.

2. Food
My mom was always content with my eating habit since I never had anything to complain about. I eat almost everything, except sertés zsir (trans. Pork fat) mind you. From chicken satay to fresh grilled fish—what is not to love? And you can always find seedless watermelon, and a bunch of exotic fruit such as durian, duku, jack fruit in all seasons. And they make me go yum yum!

3. Prices
The price of a Big Mac in Hungary is around US$ 2.39 while in Indonesia it’s Rp 13.000 (US$ 1.3), plus ketchup and all sauces are free. Oh, and plastic bags too :D

And a five star hotel is very much affordable. In Surabaya, where I lived, it costed from US$ 75 /night. I don’t think I could ever afford the same luxury in Europe.


Sheraton Surabaya

If you think it may happen because Indonesia is still a jungle, you might want to check its plazas and shopping centers. Sheraton Surabaya happens to be in the same building with the biggest mall in the city, Tunjungan Plaza. As a comparison it is at least four times larger than Westend City Center–which is said to be the largest shopping mall in Central Europe.


Tunjungan Plaza on Christmas Day

For sneakers with wellknown brands; such as Nike, Adidas, Puma etc. they cost around US$ 25-30. I remember back in the old days in school, students were not cool untill we had an Esprit back pack. It wasn’t a big deal at that time, as it was only US$—perhaps less, since Indonesian currency was valued higher by then. Only US$ 2, people! I shit you not. The first time I walked to the famous Budapest’s Váci Utca I almost fainted to see an Esprit blouse which costed 23,000 Ft (US$ 115).

My husband Zsolt had a Nike backpack and a pair of tracksuit which he bought before we knew each other: they were made in Indonesia. He would have gotten 8 items for that price had he bought them there. What is funnier is that many Indonesian bought souvenirs during their trip abroad only to find out in the end that they were also made in Indonesia.

4. Transportation
Public transportation in Indonesia generally sucks no matter where it is; whether in Papua or even Jakarta. But the good thing is that there are more options you can take. For long distance trip, of course aeroplane would be the best. From Jakarta – Sby tickets are available from 30 USD – 80 (700 km), depends on your pocket. If you don’t have that much, there are other ways. Bus or train, for example. You’ll get air conditioned bus with toilet (if you think it is normal, not here in Hungary), with coupon to eat on the appointed restaurant. Sometimes blanket too. And although the amount is decreasing, there is still becak—my savior.

5. Remoteness
It is actually both good and bad things. It may be one of the proofs of the social gap I mentioned here, yet you cannot deny that you would likely find more peace in such places. I am not speaking of the poverty now: it is the nature, the tradition. Behind all the glamorous life in big cities in Indonesia, you can just ride for an hour and you may find such places with green paddy fields; crickets singing at night; coconut trees; and people who knew each others and would greet you warmly whenever they see you.

6. Healthcare
I have heard many complaints about healthcare in Indonesia, which I have so far never experienced. I think they key there is that what you pay is what you would get. There is no such thing as socialist healthcare system like in Hungary. In Indonesia you will still have to share a room and a toilet with many people such as the case in Hungary—if you chose the cheapest service, that is. Nevertheless an air conditioned room with a TV for your own would still be affordable. And no hálapénz (trans. tribute given to doctors and nurses) needed.

7. Hospitality
Smile is important. If you have never been to Indonesia before, you might be shocked to see people are all smiles even without any cause. I remember my father in law used to ask me, “What’s so funny? Why are you smiling?” I bet he would be tired of asking the question to everyone in Indonesia.

When you go to a shop, shopkeepers would smile and ask you if they could help. You need a correct shoe size, hesitate not to ask them. Don’t dig the stock pile in the corner like you do while shopping in Skála. You need only to ask. Oh and plastic bags are for free; plus there is always a bagger to help you in the groceries.

Of course we cannot judge a book from its cover. A smile does not define sincerity. A serial killer may smile even when he was killing his victim. But it is good to know that the shopkeepers will not bark on your coming, don’t you think?

8. Weather
Weather is always hot-hot-hot! That is not good for your make up. Yet it’s still better than looking like Michelin man during winter. At least you can still look stylish during summer (duh)—and it’s always summer there!

9. Diversity
There have been news about people killing people for radicalism, destruction etc. That is sad. But there are still many more who live side by side in peace no matter what. I was raised in a small town in Central Java. My parents are Muslims; yet there is a Confucius temple only 300 m from our house, and only 20 m from it there is a church. A mosque is located only 30 m from a Catholic church. I have never heard of any violence happened between the different believers.

What is more familiar to me is the celebration during our holidays. Because there are many religions, we celebrate different kinf of holidays. From the Chinese usually we get moon cake and other chinese food for free delivered to our house during Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). The Muslim cooks special food during Ramadhan after fasting; and you can eat for free at the mosques during those days. The Christian have small parties during Christmas—my auntie, who is Christian, cooks her trademark delicious grilled chicken for all the neighbors. I had a Chinese tailor, Maduranese catering service, Balinese landlady, Arab furniture shop owner, and American english teacher. Isn’t life great?

10. Nostalgia
I cannot deny that there might be subjectivity in my thoughts; first of all because human always tends to miss something they no longer have. I haven’t seen Indonesia since two years ago and maybe my subjective thoughts influenced me in writing this piece. Some things just don’t change; and if they do, I hope only for the better. I am now content with a family who loves me here in Budapest—how could I ask for more?

Related Article: Ten Things I Hate about Indonesia