Jakarta, the balance of contrasts

A few months after the historic transition period in the Indonesian capital, the inauguration of the new president Prabowo Subianto (October 20) is the talk of the town. A ruthless man who was the leader of the commando soldiers who left a bloody trail during the dark years of the dictatorship (1967-1998).

The former capital is entering the rainy season, with a saturated horizon.

At the port, this climate accentuates the stagnation of polluted water and the accumulation of waste, Showing a coast on the edge of disappearing.

In this atmosphere of transition, port workers daily lives capture a sense of resilience in a changing city, far removed from the major modernization projects.

In this harsh environment, cultural richness and fervent beliefs still permeate everyday life. Encounters, even for a moment, are warm and friendly, reflecting a hospitality that persists despite the surroundings.

Bali, a rich island ?

After more time than expected in Yogyakarta, I decided to go to Bali. Went directly to Canggu, a recommendation of a friend. Not especially for the best.
People come from islands all around working hard everyday, construct villas, hotel and restaurant that they won't, even for a day, be able to afford. I saw what a soft colonization is.
South of Bali like Uluwatu, Canggu/Kuta is just an attraction park for tourists. Locals are pushed outside that area to Denpasar or upper.
Hopefully, I drove all around the island alone on a moto, met people on the road, at a coffee or just waiting for the rain to stop, sharing a cigarette.

That experience helped me to understand and changed something.

I was searching for a country to visit, far away from Paris, France, and memories. The urgent need to discover, alone, a new part of the world. I thought about Thailand but for me it wasn't a great destination for a first time solo trip. That's how I choosed Indonesia, I felt it.