My first trip to Indonesia started at Bali, Thereafter we proceeded by boat to Surabaya, Semarang, Bandung, Bogor, Serang and then to Jakarta.
I could recall that we have to wake up early in the morning to see the sunrise and Mount Bromo. I could remember two lakes with two colors, one blue and the other brown.
I could remember gongs and gamelans being played by an ensemble. I also remember the shadow puppet show played. Under Muslim rule, no images are allowed to be shown.
In Bogor, I saw for the first time a very big lotus plant with wide spread leaves. I remember trees planted along the hills near Jakarta, the preparation of batik as well.
I realize that the Filipinos and Indonesians have similar physical features. Filipinos, however, appear to be more flamboyant in their manner of dressing up compared to the conservative style of Indonesia.
While Indonesia’s Muslim religion allows several wives and Philippines’ Catholic religion prohibits multiple marriages, some have predispositions if they can afford it to enter into other relationships although the latter under a clandestine setting.
Both reside in archipelagic countries which explains for the diverse languages, dialects and cultures. Though both countries are rich in natural resources, both of them have been colonized and that their economic development requires further improvement.
Thank you Lord for this trip.