Comments on: Indonesia Has Gone All Muslim on Us

By: Cancer Hospital

Cancer Hospital — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:58:41 +0000

It was very bad, most worst thing is harassing encounters , i think your required to tell consult high commision or high authority regarding same harassment. such step may helpful to resolve sitution.

By: Euro Stadiums

Euro Stadiums — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:38:02 +0000

Sometimes we don’t understand people real problems. Facing certain trouble that can cause death gives you the perspective that allows you to say: your problems are not real. I think that many of us (citizens of so called “western world” face those unreal problems everyday. Less money? It is good to have money at all. Someone have a better job? It is good to have a job at all. You didn’t manage to get your favorite cola taste? It is good to have anything to drink at all.

By: BenQ

BenQ — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:10:23 +0000

Very interesting post! Do these thugs walking around calling themselves the Muslim Police (or do they even call themselves this) openly arm themselves?

By: Backpacker

Backpacker — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:57:24 +0000

Oh Man! This is a very delicate matter to talk about but anyways let just respect each other’s religion – either Muslims, Christians, Protestants etc. Be safe!

By: neil

neil — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:45:30 +0000

you’ll be surprised how many americans/europeans are involved in the religious conversion business under the pretext of “charity”.. just visit india to see that in full action.

By: Aluminum Case

Aluminum Case — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:50:28 +0000

I am not too surprised by the reaction of the Muslim people. They are very strict about their religion. I remember when I visited a Muslim country we had to be careful about things like openly consuming liquor and exposing bare skin. In all fairness though, you guys probably shouldn’t have brought Jesus tshirts. That is asking for trouble. It’s too bad people can’t help each other without some kind of religious motivations.

By: Passive Income Online

Passive Income Online — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:25:54 +0000

Jeeze this has changed my hazy memories of Sumartra are mainly of Lake Toba was it taking at least a week extra for me to get off the island because the local whiskey was a) cheap and b) bad so c) I kept missing the morning boat LOL. Padang I remember as dull but harmless – but Palembang was realy quite theratening in a non-obvious way – not religious particularly just a really uncomfortable feeling being a solo blonde female on the streets.

By: Working Nomad

Working Nomad — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:34:48 +0000

I guess as Neil said, you are in a predominantly Muslim country and visitors have to go along with that.

Reminds me of what an expat friend who use to work in Bali said – whatever you do remember that you are still in Indonesia.

By: pktan

pktan — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:38:07 +0000

Yap, they are pretty sensitive about foreigners & Christianity. So stay safe : ))

By: NomadicNeil

NomadicNeil — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:24:39 +0000

I think Indonesia was Muslim before you arrived. As someone else pointed out, it’s the most populous Muslim country in the world.

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:52:57 +0000

I think it is amazing what you are doing. This world could use more people like yourself willing to give back. Keep up the good work and love the blog.

By: Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:02:28 +0000

Indo is the largest muslim country in the world. it should really be no surprise they went “all muslim on you”

just dont go to saluwasi….they are extreme there

By: David

David — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:50:41 +0000

Exactly who was it who made this ‘request’ anyway?

I think it’s all about power. They won’t be satisfied. Next it’ll be that the guys are using the bathrooms in the house, or eating meals under the same roof. Or sharing sledgehammers & wheelbarrows with unmarried female volunteers.

Still, I think you’re gonna look nice in a shawl and headscarf.

By: Kirsty

Kirsty — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:38:54 +0000

@estudiante They’re all equally stupid to me.

It’ll be interesting to see how it all pans out. Apparently our boss has told them he will comply with the sleeping in separate places thing but that’ll be the last request. They said ok but I have a feeling more requests will keep popping up.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:45:00 +0000

I would say it is a small percentage of Indonesians that act this way. Unfortunately, these are the most vocal people. I was in Sumatra when there was the conflict between Palestine and Israel and there were lots of protests. I was a little scared after watching some demonstrations on tv, but actually no one bother me much.

When I went to Padang with my girl friend the hotel wouldn’t let us stay, even if we took separate rooms. Eventually we found a place that let us stay together. Medan seems a little more open, but Aceh is the strictest place in Indonesia and is governed under Sharia law.

Looking forward to hearing more about your work there.