All Things Javanese
I have been in Indonesia now for a month and a half. I have lived through so much in such short weeks, especially these last two. I left Bali (where my main program site is) to spend 3 weeks in another island, Java. Java is an hour and a half flight from Bali, but the ways of living in Java differ so much from Balinese ways.
Our program directors and guides told us to “expect the unexpected” and to also keep a positive attitude because, in their own words, unpleasant things could happen. I kept this very much in mind, but I could only prepare so much for all that I was about to experience. So, for the past 3 weeks, I have lived with a second host family, have spent two weeks in an Indonesian university (Gadja Mada), have learned how to perform a traditional Javanese dance, have spent one week in a female and then male Pesantren (boarding school and university for the religion of Islam), have visited the historically and religiously rich former empire of the Majahapit, have visited the biggest Buddhist temple in the world, explored numerous Hindu temples and some Confucianist and Taoist temples as well, while savoring delicious traditional food from Java. I have barely had any time to sit back and reflect on a deeper level on all of these experiences. I have to squeeze in time between activities while also trying to balance the insane exhaustion to take a breath and just take it all in.
To describe my time so far in Indonesia in very few words, it would be: Intense, unreal, humbling, mystical, exciting, and challenging. It has also been challenging, yes, because the language barrier does affect, and sometimes frustrates us more than we wish. Staying in home stays and moving around a lot also has its downsides. Being a nomad is what I wished to do for the longest time, but it definitely exhausts us in intense ways. This is also to say that homesickness is definitely starting to kick in, especially when frustrations come about.
For the remaining month of October, there is lots to look forward to. I will continue to study about the arts, religion, and social change in Indonesia. This time, the program will focus on the social change part of it more. I have also learned to do some pretty rad art in the country: I know how to make silver rings, ceramic bowls and cups and know a thing or two about gamelan traditional music. I also have to decide on what internship or independent study project I will do for November. This will be the month where I am completely on my own in this country, living and structuring my days however I want.. Exciting but definitely a little nerve racking, so some planning is needed. I will also explore different areas of Bali, and spend some down time in the beautiful and picturesque Gilli Islands. Ugh, studying in Indonesia is so hard.
Warm Javanese and Balinese regards,
Haliny