Pesan Disini (Drive-Thru)

Jakarta is not walker-friendly.  Needless to say, with the constant traffic, 90% humidity, and non-existent sidewalks, going for the usual 10 mile city run is impossible.  But after three days of pounding on the treadmill, the monotony forced me to slip out of the comforting gates of the American Club and explore the surrounding neighborhood.  The friendly grins that met me with every stride were not something that I am used to.  In the U.S., a mere ‘hello’ is a rare occurrence.  A world away in Jakarta, though, running past a mosque before evening prayer, self-conscious of my bare legs and the skin showing on my arms, the men, women, and children did not hesitate to greet me.  The hospitality here is incredible; the friendliness of the hotel staff, taxi drivers, fishermen, and street vendors always evident in their contagious smiles.

Today we went to a Memorial Day luncheon following a golf tournament that is hosted to raise money for several organizations including the U.S. Marine embassy detachment.  On the way to Serpong, the city where the luncheon took place, our taxi driver shared his story of studying in London, his thoughts of election season, and of the Muslim faith.  He explained how his mom was raised Catholic and converted to Islam when she married his dad.  As we listened to our taxi driver, mostly fluent in English, talk about career, retirement, and travels, we drove by strip malls galore.  While in Jakarta, I have probably seen around 15 malls, each one bigger than the previous.  The American fast food chains that line the road were also curious.  From Pizza Hut to Dunkin’ Donuts, from KFC to Domino’s, Starbucks, and McDonald’s, there is no shortage of American culinary influence here in Jakarta.  There were even drive-thrus!  It seemed to me that Serpong, advertised as “A city that has so much to offer” on numerous billboards, was truly a reflection of Western influence.

The luncheon was impressive with many influential guests, a great spread of fresh fruit, fancy cigars, expensive door prizes, and an abundance of alcoholic beverages.  I sat on a table that consisted of a Scottish oil magnate, a Thai executive for Dow Chemical Company, an Italian financial consultant, and an English entrepreneur.  The sense of community that seemed to exist between the business elite that were present at the event was noticeable in how they joked with each other, cheered as their peers won prizes and bid in the live auction.  The setting, a sprawling golf course complete with an infinity pool and caged hawk, was luxurious and the funds that were raised combined for an astounding donation.  The connections that we were able to make, as a group conducting research related somewhat to the economy, were valuable.