Jakarta Most famous Stereotypes

To be an excellent fixer, I believe that they need to understand their city very well. They have to know from A to Z about everything that people could think about their city. And it must be long life lesson. Fixer have to grow with the city growth, fixer have to develop and adapt with the city development. Lucky me, going a long with foreign crew is helping me to see my city of Jakarta with fresh eye and new perspective.

As a fixer, the first question that usually I prompt to then they crew is: “What do you hear about Jakarta?” then, after one day, the second question is: “What is your impression about Jakarta?” And the last question is: “Do you want to comeback to Jakarta?”

According to my exerience, Jakarta is not as famous as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, in fact Jakarta is much-much bigger. Surprisingly, most of crew members already has an opinion about jakarta, never been here.

So this article about ten Stereotypes About Jakarta and the explanation why they are inaccurate is very interesting. This article I quote from http://www.jakarta100bars.com/

Jakarta was named as one of worst expat cities to live in byBusinessWeek in an article published in 2009. Among long term expatriates living here, this ranking could not have been more inaccurate and it was laughed at widely. Jakarta is a city facing many enormous challenges, but it is not the hellhole some people like to describe.

To bring back some justice to this city, here is the list of 10 stereotypes that I hear about Jakarta, and why they aren't true:

1) "Jakarta is one of the most polluted city in the World"

Jakarta is polluted of course, but it is far from being among the most polluted in the World, especially if you stay in South and Central Jakarta.

According to this document (click on "2011 air pollution in cities database"), from the UN World Health Organization, which compares the annual measurement of PM10 (particulates that have a diameter of up to 10 μm) by cities, Jakarta is less polluted that most other cities in Asia. It is for instance less polluted than Seoul, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Delhi, Beijing, Shanghai,

2) "Jakarta is not safe"

There is crime in Jakarta, but it is still a safe city if we consider the statistics, especially for murder. I invite you to look at these numbers coming fom the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime: Click here, and then on the link "Homicides in the most populous city". They give you the figures for the intentional homicide count and the rate per 100,000 persons in the world's biggest cities (between 2000 and 2010).

On average, Jakarta has 0,7 murder for 100,000 inhabitants. Bangkok has 4 murders, Kuala Lumpur 4.4, New York 5.6, Seoul 2.4, Paris 1.6, Berlin 1.8, London 1.6, Sydney 1.1.

In fact, Jakarta is the safest city of the list except for Tokyo (0.4) and Reykjavik in Iceland.

3) "Jakarta is below sea level".

Jakarta is on average at a height of 8 meters above sea level. But it is true that around 40% of the city is under that level, especially in the North.

The most worrying part is that the city is currently sinking at the speed of up to 12 centimeter per year. This is due to the combination of several factors: Over-pumping of the city's water resources, the growing weight of the city (all those new towers do make Jakarta more fat), and excavation of the ground for new projects.

More: http://www.theatlanticcities.com

4) "The traffic in Jakarta is unavoidable"

This is part wrong as it depends where you live and how you are organizing your transportation. If you stay in Bekasi and you have to work 9 to 5, then you are screwed. If you have some flexibility about your working hours, and if you don't live too far from the city center, then you should be able to avoid the worst of the traffic jams.

My general rules:
- Use your legs as much as possible.  For instance, to avoid riding an extra kilometer to turn around ("putar balik), it is often better to be dropped on the wrong side of the road and to cross it by foot.
- Avoid being on the streets at the following time: 7am to 10am, 5pm to 8pm
- Avoid Kemang on a Friday and Saturday night
- Avoid shortcuts during peak hours as you are very likely to be stuck
- Always use the major roads (Sudirman, Gatot Subroto, Thamrin) and if possible the toll roads.
- Choose very carefully your hotel or accommodation. The location should be one of your top considerations.
- For long trips across the city, do not hesitate to take the Transjakarta and its dedicated lines.

5) "The only taxis that are reliable are Blue Bird taxis"

Blue Bird taxis are generally reliable, but so are most of the companies in Jakarta: Gamya, Express, Prima, Taxiku, are all good taxis in my opinion. Rule of thumb: If the taxi looks old and is not in good condition, do not take it.

6) "Jakarta girls are easy"

If all you know about Indonesian girls are those going to CJs or Bats, you will indeed have the impression that it is easy to get Indonesian girls. It is a bit like saying that Dutch girls are easy because you went to the red light district in Amsterdam. Try your luck again in trendy places such as Fable or Lucy in the Sky and you will see that it takes more than a full wallet to get a date.

7) "Prostitution in Jakarta comes from Westerners"

Prostitution in Jakarta for Westerners is rather limited and not organized. It often takes place in the confines of a few 5-star hotels bars (or in Blok M), and the girls are free-lancers. They choose who they want to sleep with and they don't have to share the money with anybody.

Prostitution for Indonesians is massive and controlled by large groups under the protection of local authorities. There are huge brothels and red district areas in Jakarta, where you will never see a foreigner. They cater to all the stratas of society and to all religions. Girls in those places have contracts and get only a fraction of the money paid by the customer. Drug is also widespread, mostly in local clubs in Kota/Mangga Besar area. 

8) "Jakarta is a poor city"

There is a lot of poverty in Jakarta, and a wide gap between the rich and the poor. But Jakarta is wealthy: According to this study, it is the third richest city in Southeast Asia behind Singapore and Bangkok, with a total GDP of US$ 224,000,000,000.

9) "There is nothing to do in Jakarta"

It depends who you are, what you are looking for, how you are looking for it, and what you compare Jakarta with.

If you are on a short term expatriation of 2 or 3 years and a minimum open-minded, you should have enough things to do to fill those years. Jakarta has shopping centers, restaurants, spas,nightlife, theaters, a zoo, an ice rink, concert halls, stadiums, dozens of different neighborhood, a beachfront, a colonial area, museums, traditional markets, festivals, expat clubs, golf courses, friendly people, huge parks, etc...

People criticize the lack of activities in Jakarta. But how many among those have actually been to one of the city's museum? How many have been to an art gallery in Jakarta? How many have been to one of the events organized on a weekly basis by the foreign cultural centers?

10) "Street food in Jakarta means Nasi Goreng"

There is so much more than Nasi Goreng in Jakarta's street. One of the best things about Jakarta is to go around the city to try the hundreds of foods from all over Indonesia. Read my review aboutStreet Food in Jakarta to get some ideas...

Jakarta Most famous Stereotypes

To be an excellent fixer, I believe that they need to understand their city very well. They have to know from A to Z about everything that people could think about their city. And it must be long life lesson. Fixer have to grow with the city growth, fixer have to develop and adapt with the city development. Lucky me, going a long with foreign crew is helping me to see my city of Jakarta with fresh eye and new perspective.

As a fixer, the first question that usually I prompt to then they crew is: “What do you hear about Jakarta?” then, after one day, the second question is: “What is your impression about Jakarta?” And the last question is: “Do you want to comeback to Jakarta?”

According to my exerience, Jakarta is not as famous as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, in fact Jakarta is much-much bigger. Surprisingly, most of crew members already has an opinion about jakarta, never been here.

So this article about ten Stereotypes About Jakarta and the explanation why they are inaccurate is very interesting. This article I quote from http://www.jakarta100bars.com/

Jakarta was named as one of worst expat cities to live in byBusinessWeek in an article published in 2009. Among long term expatriates living here, this ranking could not have been more inaccurate and it was laughed at widely. Jakarta is a city facing many enormous challenges, but it is not the hellhole some people like to describe.

To bring back some justice to this city, here is the list of 10 stereotypes that I hear about Jakarta, and why they aren't true:

1) "Jakarta is one of the most polluted city in the World"

Jakarta is polluted of course, but it is far from being among the most polluted in the World, especially if you stay in South and Central Jakarta.

According to this document (click on "2011 air pollution in cities database"), from the UN World Health Organization, which compares the annual measurement of PM10 (particulates that have a diameter of up to 10 μm) by cities, Jakarta is less polluted that most other cities in Asia. It is for instance less polluted than Seoul, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Delhi, Beijing, Shanghai,

2) "Jakarta is not safe"

There is crime in Jakarta, but it is still a safe city if we consider the statistics, especially for murder. I invite you to look at these numbers coming fom the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime: Click here, and then on the link "Homicides in the most populous city". They give you the figures for the intentional homicide count and the rate per 100,000 persons in the world's biggest cities (between 2000 and 2010).

On average, Jakarta has 0,7 murder for 100,000 inhabitants. Bangkok has 4 murders, Kuala Lumpur 4.4, New York 5.6, Seoul 2.4, Paris 1.6, Berlin 1.8, London 1.6, Sydney 1.1.

In fact, Jakarta is the safest city of the list except for Tokyo (0.4) and Reykjavik in Iceland.

3) "Jakarta is below sea level".

Jakarta is on average at a height of 8 meters above sea level. But it is true that around 40% of the city is under that level, especially in the North.

The most worrying part is that the city is currently sinking at the speed of up to 12 centimeter per year. This is due to the combination of several factors: Over-pumping of the city's water resources, the growing weight of the city (all those new towers do make Jakarta more fat), and excavation of the ground for new projects.

More: http://www.theatlanticcities.com

4) "The traffic in Jakarta is unavoidable"

This is part wrong as it depends where you live and how you are organizing your transportation. If you stay in Bekasi and you have to work 9 to 5, then you are screwed. If you have some flexibility about your working hours, and if you don't live too far from the city center, then you should be able to avoid the worst of the traffic jams.

My general rules:
- Use your legs as much as possible.  For instance, to avoid riding an extra kilometer to turn around ("putar balik), it is often better to be dropped on the wrong side of the road and to cross it by foot.
- Avoid being on the streets at the following time: 7am to 10am, 5pm to 8pm
- Avoid Kemang on a Friday and Saturday night
- Avoid shortcuts during peak hours as you are very likely to be stuck
- Always use the major roads (Sudirman, Gatot Subroto, Thamrin) and if possible the toll roads.
- Choose very carefully your hotel or accommodation. The location should be one of your top considerations.
- For long trips across the city, do not hesitate to take the Transjakarta and its dedicated lines.

5) "The only taxis that are reliable are Blue Bird taxis"

Blue Bird taxis are generally reliable, but so are most of the companies in Jakarta: Gamya, Express, Prima, Taxiku, are all good taxis in my opinion. Rule of thumb: If the taxi looks old and is not in good condition, do not take it.

6) "Jakarta girls are easy"

If all you know about Indonesian girls are those going to CJs or Bats, you will indeed have the impression that it is easy to get Indonesian girls. It is a bit like saying that Dutch girls are easy because you went to the red light district in Amsterdam. Try your luck again in trendy places such as Fable or Lucy in the Sky and you will see that it takes more than a full wallet to get a date.

7) "Prostitution in Jakarta comes from Westerners"

Prostitution in Jakarta for Westerners is rather limited and not organized. It often takes place in the confines of a few 5-star hotels bars (or in Blok M), and the girls are free-lancers. They choose who they want to sleep with and they don't have to share the money with anybody.

Prostitution for Indonesians is massive and controlled by large groups under the protection of local authorities. There are huge brothels and red district areas in Jakarta, where you will never see a foreigner. They cater to all the stratas of society and to all religions. Girls in those places have contracts and get only a fraction of the money paid by the customer. Drug is also widespread, mostly in local clubs in Kota/Mangga Besar area. 

8) "Jakarta is a poor city"

There is a lot of poverty in Jakarta, and a wide gap between the rich and the poor. But Jakarta is wealthy: According to this study, it is the third richest city in Southeast Asia behind Singapore and Bangkok, with a total GDP of US$ 224,000,000,000.

9) "There is nothing to do in Jakarta"

 

It depends who you are, what you are looking for, how you are looking for it, and what you compare Jakarta with.

If you are on a short term expatriation of 2 or 3 years and a minimum open-minded, you should have enough things to do to fill those years. Jakarta has shopping centers, restaurants, spas,nightlife, theaters, a zoo, an ice rink, concert halls, stadiums, dozens of different neighborhood, a beachfront, a colonial area, museums, traditional markets, festivals, expat clubs, golf courses, friendly people, huge parks, etc...

People criticize the lack of activities in Jakarta. But how many among those have actually been to one of the city's museum? How many have been to an art gallery in Jakarta? How many have been to one of the events organized on a weekly basis by the foreign cultural centers?

10) "Street food in Jakarta means Nasi Goreng"

There is so much more than Nasi Goreng in Jakarta's street. One of the best things about Jakarta is to go around the city to try the hundreds of foods from all over Indonesia. Read my review aboutStreet Food in Jakarta to get some ideas...

what Fixer is

What is fixer?

fix·er

ˈfiksər/ 

noun

1.     1.

a person who makes arrangements for other people, esp. of an illicit or devious kind.

2.     2.

a substance used for fixing a photographic image.

A lot of definitions about “fixer”, and here below are conversation in www.lighstalkers.org about what “fixer” is:

When traveling to a place you are not familiar with, especially places that can be potentially dangerous a fixer is someone who knows the area (where to go, more importantly where not to go), the culture, the people, has connections and can get things done that an outsider may not be able to accomplish. Fixers are not necessarily also translators, but it helps if they are.

For example, you can have an itinerary of topics you want to work on, communicate that to the fixer and he/she can usually get the ball rolling on where and when you can work on those topics while you are in country. I have a particularly good relationship with a fixer that I use in Haiti and he always meets me at the airport when I arrive, makes sure I’m set up at the hotel, negotiates good rates, etc. in addition to helping me find content and take care of logistics.

You can go somewhere without a fixer, but you can be much more effective and efficient with one and in some cases they can save your life and/or keep you from getting robbed or harassed. I would very highly recommend using them. And chances are if you need one where ever you are going, you can ask on here and someone can recommend one.

by Edward Linsmier  Saint Petersburg, FL, United States

A fixer is your eyes, ears, mouth, your security, guide sometimes driver and most of the time translator. A fixer is your best-friend. If you do not trust your fixer with your ideas, how can you trust him or her with your life? Your fixer is the one who connects the dots for you. 

by Lesli Petit-Phar , Feeport, Bahamas

Fixer are often times the life blood of photographers. I cant speak their praises enough. I have encounter some pretty amazing people over the years but one that really sticks out is Faseeh Shams from http://www.mediasystemsi.com/ The guy put some really amazing stuff together for me and kept me so safe i owe him my life. 
by Don Mirra  San Diego, United States 

My stomach churns when someone calls fixers “Taxi Drivers”. Usually people calling them taxi drivers are some low key journalists who have never worked for a respectable organization with a respectable budget and who can never afford to hire a “real” fixer. Also, a photographers fixer is almost a translator/taxi driver and for TV and print reporters, it is usually a more professional fixer, who is also a freelance journalist.

A fixer is someone, when given a specific brief, manages to organize everything, stories, interviews, access etc!

And no, we are not street thugs and most of them do not know how to drive too! (I do). We do of course will watch our client’s back but we are not body guards.

If you want someone to drive around, find a driver. If you want someone to take a bullet for you, hire a bodyguard. If you want a “partner” for your story, who will do everything to make sure you get a great story, even if it means driving you around in a bicycle, take a hail of bullets or face an unruly crowd, then hire a “Fixer”. 

by Uday Sripathi , Mumbai, India

Fixer is a person that makes you and your work comfortable in that place which is unfamiliar for you. Yes some time its provides facility of Driver and also vehicle..
I had work with some people and give then that facility. In some unknown cities of country i had also arranged another for then, 

by S.A.Qureshi | Islamabad, Pakistan 

indonesian food is the best

The recognition on the delicacy of Indonesian food is shown by the CNNGO survey. The CNNGO is a website specialized for tourism that belongs to the international news network, CNN.

Interestingly, three kinds of Indonesian cuisines are on the list of the CNN’s best street food in the world. They are rendang, nasi goreng, and sate. More interestingly, those are categorised as the top 20 of the most delicious. As for rankings, Rendang tops the list, nasi goring is on the second, and sate is on the fourteenth.

About 35,000 people have voted West Sumatra’s Rendang as the number one food in the world. Guess which food came in second? Nasi goreng! Or fried rice which is also Indonesian cuisine.


Satay, another staple Indonesian dish, also stood proud at No. 14. 



In July 2011, CNNGo came out with its own “World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods.” In that list, Thailand’s Massaman curry topped the culinary hierarchy, followed by Italy’s Neapolitan pizza and Mexico’s chocolate.



That list apparently incited “impassionate debate” about the site’s selection, so CNNGo let its readers vote what they thought should be the numero uno food. The vote, which held for two months, was done through a Facebook poll.



Based on the top 10, Thailand may boast that it has the most dishes. But bow down, world, for rendang has been crowned the king!



CNNGo’s Readers List (September 2011)


1. Rendang, Indonesia 

2. Nasi goreng, Indonesia 

3. Sushi, Japan 

4. Tom yam goong. Thailand 

5. Pad thai, Thailand 

6. Som tam, Thailand 

7. Dim sum, Hong Kong

8. Ramen, Japan 

9. Peking duck, China 

10. Massaman curry, Thailand

For a complete list, go to: http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/readers-choice-worlds-50-most-delicious-foods-012321

According to sbs.com.au, Indonesian cuisine is the most immensely diverse in the world. Every region is has its own unique and taste. With 12,000 islands, there are many regional specialties, but wherever you are in Indonesia, the foods are amazing and friendly to any taste of nationality. Most meals, including breakfast, are based around rice. Literally meaning "fried rice", nasi goreng is considered the national dish of Indonesia and can be found everywhere from street hawkers carts to dinner parties or restaurants. It is a meal of stir-fried rice spiced with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), shallot, garlic, tamarind and chili and accompanied by other ingredients, mainly egg, chicken, prawns or salted dried fish.

Sambals are also a cornerstone of the cuisine and these chili-based condiments may be either freshly made or store-bought. There are many types of sambals, all of which combine a variety of chili peppers with different combinations of spices, fruits or vegetables.

Indonesians believe in giving a "kick start" to their palate with the heat of chilli and the sour crunch of pickles, so meals generally comprise rice, sambal and pickles with small amounts of meats, seafood or vegetables, often in curry form. People eat either with their right hand or with a spoon and fork.

Some of the intense flavour in Indonesian food comes from very sweet and sour ingredients – such as the thick sweet soy sauce called kecap manis, which is used in countless dishes. The sour notes in the cuisine come from tamarind and lime and the aromatics from shallots, ginger, galangal, pandan, turmeric, lemongrass and lime leaves.

Two foods adored by Indonesians are tempeh – fermented soybeans usually found in block form that are high in protein and fibre – and krupuk, or deep fried crackers, made from prawn, seafood or vegetables, which are eaten at the start of a meal.

Because of the humid climate and volcanic soil, tropical fruits, vegetables and spices are found in abundance. Dried spices such as coriander seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon quills, cumin seeds, cloves and nutmeg are used every day in many dishes and each curry has a number of dried spices as well as fresh herbs.

Desserts are some of the most exuberant in South East Asia, especially the favourite "ice cendol" which features shaved ice, tropical fruit, coconut milk and pandan flavoured "worms" made from mung bean flour.