Bandung

Where I finally found some coffee

It takes around 3 hours by train to travel between Jakarta and Bandung, a city towards the west of Java. It follows a track that escapes the capital, transporting passengers over rice fields, around mountains, and to a city quite different to its eastern counterpart.

It is cooler here, without the oppressing humidity and smog of Jakarta. The air is cleaner, and there are even sidewalks for pedestrians in most parts. The motorbikes and cars are almost as prolific. It is a city known for its colonial Dutch architecture and food, as well as its prominent universities, cheap fashion shops, and tourist attractions. There is a large youth population which contributes to its reputation as being a modern, elegant city.

I came here for a brief work commitment and a weekend getaway. I had the opportunity to represent the office that I worked in – the United Nations Information Centre – at a Model United Nations hosted by Parahyangan University (I had to practise the name several times). Speaking in front of students from Indonesia and overseas, I got to experience the dedication many have to learning about foreign systems and developing their own skills to participate in the change occurring around us. These are opportunities for youth to discuss the issues that matter most to them, and present their unique perspective on current affairs.

Speaking with local literature organisations was another highlight of the visit. My role involved the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals Book Club in Indonesia. Based on the international initiative, I was responsible for reaching out to Indonesian organisations and authors to create a program that represented the stories of Indonesian connections to the SDGs. Stories that reflected responses to climate change, acceptance of all peoples, and female empowerment are only some of the values explored. Relating these to Indonesian materials meant that young children could learn using familiar languages and themes.

Promoting the initiative meant that I could connect local libraries with the UN office, and created an avenue where children could engage directly with the program and other initiatives. Meeting local leaders was inspiring as I learnt a lot about the dedication so many people have to educating young people.

Finally- the mini holiday! From my fancy hotel provided by the university, I switched to a backpackers’ hostel for less than $10/night (and I got an entire room to myself!). From here I visited the local food markets, with dishes such as siomay and batagor that are unique to the region. Exploring the city at my own pace enabled me to relax. Rather than rushing into as many attractions as possible, I chose to café hop across the city, confirming that Bandung does indeed make better coffee than Jakarta. I still missed Australian coffee.

An attraction I did visit was the floating markets in Lembang, the neighbouring city up the road (and by up I mean vertically). I took a gojek (motorbike taxi)…the ride down was much worse but worth it for the views!

While the markets were closed and the gardens were not necessarily a cultural destination, it was great to visit and walk around in the clear blue skies!

I intended to visit again and visit sites such Kawah Putih (White Crater), which is lent its colour by the highly acidic water. But COVID-19 cut short many planned journeys.

Java, and much of Indonesia, is characterised by its highly volcanic environment. It poses a threat for many people but forms a dramatic geography that makes Indonesia truly special.