Puberteske expectations Indonesia
Friday, July 18th, 2008 
Indonesia. All four of my grandparents were born and when they were alive, that country was part of my daily life. Today, I'm not sure what I need with Indonesia. Indeed, since the death of my last grandparent has become increasingly important Dutch East Indies. From my study I have been extensively studied in the Dutch East Indies. Its history from Jan Pieterszoon Coen, I studied at home and I had an Indian upbringing. Dutch East Indies, yes, I do something with. But with Indonesia?
Thanks to my grandfather 16 years ago, we went with the whole family down memory lane in Indonesia. At Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, my uncle arrived crawled on all fours and kissed the ground, to the amusement of the rest. Stupidity I laughed along as I felt myself slightly confused: he made a joke, I felt recognition! During the trip grew this sense of confusion and discomfort. The country introduced me more and more at ease, but, despite our extensive guide Juan in Yogya, I felt next to petite Javanese and Balinese rude and coarse.
I did not belong with those people. However the country, and that from the very first moment I stood on Indonesian soil. My uncle, who in age is closer to Indonesia than I just said no special relationship with that country feel. Therefore I did not dare to say that I have felt. Besides, I had perhaps too high expectations. If your mother also receives Indian decisively nature indicates that it is "nonsense" is that people who are not born at the first arrival, a relationship with Indonesia claiming to feel that is more special than arriving in Germany (or another country of their European ancestry), yes, almost daring you to have any special expectations.
For years, this conflict was not an issue until I went to Singapore two years ago. On the small TV set faded on the ceiling of the plane, I saw how far we were away from the destination. While the plane of the screen not only Singapore came closer, but also in Sumatra, to my astonishment I felt a growing sense of excitement. I was close again, flashed through my head. During my stay in Singapore I could for practical reasons, the crossing of only one hour to the island of Batam not venture, but since that time, Indonesia was again alive. Admittedly, it is a weakly burning flame guard, no heartwarming fireside as the Dutch East Indies, and yet, I'll be curious recently. Cold feet once I have overcome that emerged after the astonishing first time, it is time to finally as an adult to travel to Indonesia.
I write columns for Archipelago , a magazine about Indonesia. This is the first of the summer 2008 issue. You can version published as PDF download (3.3 mb).
Henri Says:
February 18th, 2010
12:32
Kirsten, I get to .... If your mother also receives Indian decisively nature indicates that it is "nonsense" is that people who are not born at the first arrival, a band with Indonesia claiming ... ..
In 2003, my daughter, born in Zwolle, and only a tiny bit pernickety Indian inherited from me in her oh so Dutch education, a trip to Indonesia as a gift for her graduation.
Before she left I taught her a few little rules about the country's honor, the nation's wisdom so that they are not quite as ice would be undefeated.
I also told her to see, smell and feel like they would descend aircraft steps in JKT. They left without me, since she still had a few bugs that needed to be cared for.
They arrived, a phone asap dived in and called me and said the answer machine: "Dad, I now know what you mean. I now know what that feeling of instability you. "More said they do not.
Without any prior knowledge and / or request from me to her, she ducked her journey midway, just an old Dutch Indies in circles reputable tea house and restaurant Toko Oen and sat himself down there in the same place 80 years before it died young grandmother sat and enjoyed the time of her tea.
At my request she had pasar flowers spreading to her grandmother and she did for the first time of her life in the middle of a very busy intersection and the picture proves it: Of all 4 directions coming, was the traffic a moment for that Turunan Belanda with its bazaar flowers spreading her grandmother never known.
A special bond? Sure, it's just in the genes that country and issued to all who love it, whether or now called Dutch Indies Indonesia. That ground and everything that has to do it is still the same and will always remain the same. If you only open to it, I say it.
Greetz and success.