And here is the whether forecast ....


It's bloody cold here in Jakarta. In more than 20 years living here - without the 'benefits' of air conditioning - I've never had to wear two layers of clothing for such a long period. To make matters even more uncomfortable, we're suffering power cuts in Java and Bali, apparently on a rotational basis, because the weather is preventing the anchoring and unloading of coal ships which supply the country's largest coal-powered generator, Tanjung Jati in Jepara, Central Java. Coal stocks ran out yesterday.

Apparently the waves are too big, which may be good news for those surfers attracted here because it's Visit Indonesia Year. That Denpasar, Bali's capital, is suffering from floods due to heavy rainfall, much as Jakarta did a couple of weeks ago, probably doesn't matter to them as surfers do it in the wet. (And Frieda Pinto from India isn't fazed either: "Everything in Indonesia are great, I had never thought about it. The moment i come here ...'')

We had a four-hour power cut on Wednesday evening, from about 4 to 8.15. We were not alone as the neighbouring East Jakarta township of Bekasi was also affected. 'Er Indoors rang the state electricity company, PLN, to find out the reason and was told that a thingamijib at a sub-station had to be replaced and everything would be OK at about 8 o'clock. It was.

This leads one to ask whether the outage was planned. Struggling through the rush hour traffic jams with the correct spare part is a logistical nightmare at the best of times, but unexpectedly? No way, Budi.

I've spoken with several friends this week about the seeming incompetence of state authorities in not have the foresight to build up stocks of fuel. After all, even this site has a five-day weather forecast and fishermen around the coasts were given ample warning to stay ashore.

Another grievance is that in spite of a community network which binds citizens and residents to the state apparatus, consumers are never given warning about pending power outages. Computers crash, security devices don't work and folk are jolted on escalators and in lifts until generators cut in. Lives are at risk, but absolutely no warnings are given.

When I ask why, my Indonesian friends look at me incredulously. "But this is Indonesia," they tell me.

Anita Carmencita has written to me to apologise for being unable to contribute to Thoughts Outside The Indonesian Box. Her article was initially going to be about "educating people that they have rights towards their employees and customers."

It is the neglect of these responsibilities which leads to the many WTF moments here, and if anyone would care to outline how people could be educated to respect those who they serve, then please do email me.

Those good folk at Indonesia Anonymus have. Every one of their posts is eagerly awaited because although they write infrequently what they write is always well-researched and balanced. They don't pontificate; they educate with a great sense of humanity as all their many fans will attest and their article entitled Education: is it all about the money? is already attracting very positive feedback.

Whether you agree or not, please do read it.
 

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