This photo, taken just after takeoff from Singapore, gives you a sense of the 17,000 islands that make up the archipelago known as Indonesia. In our second day here, Karen and I are learning more about this diverse, mysterious (for the uninitiated American) land. Mark, our instant friend from CBN Indonesia, has given generously of his time to greet us and acclimate us to this country he has come to know well in his 27 years here. "Indonesia has it all. Its media infrastructure is huge, and the people are amazing," Mark says. "Java has such history and beauty, and though I did not intend on staying, once I arrived here, I fell in love."
As we drive from the airport through the jammed streets of Jakarta, Karen and I continue to listen and learn about this populous, complex country. We learned that the cost of living can be high; the average citizen in Jakarta can get by on as little as $150 per month. We also learned that there are a dozen government-run media conglomerates like our own ABC or CBS. Jakarta is engaged in a techno frenzy and the citizens are wired to one another and the world. "Jakarta has the second largest Facebook traffic of any city in the world," Mark continues.
As we arrive at the hotel, anxious to shake off our jet-lag, we feel better prepared to engage this bustling city in the days ahead.
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