A key development this past year, in my ever so humble opinion, has been the burgeoning Indonesian blogosphere. The newly gained democratic right of one man - one (secret) vote, coupled with access to free hosting of personal websites and reasonably user-friendly editing tools has encouraged Indonesians to begin to express and share their concerns.

There are many sites which, in great minutae, relate how the blogger kissed the cat, slapped the boyfriend and then went shopping. These have a validity in that the abilty to express thoughts in writing is a skill that needs constant practice. However, these have a readership limited to friends and family.

Words can effect change. The highlighting of incongruities and inanities and the questioning of self-serving attitudes and actions with the pricking of pomposity serve a saner society, as does offering praise when and where it's due.

The Jakartass Awards are offered in recognition of kindred spirits writing in English with the hope that, through networking, others will be encouraged to add their voices to ours.

Feel free to add this specially designed 'certificate' to your blog, preferably with this link.



Enda Nasution is the 'godfather' of Indonesian bloggers, albeit living in Bangkok. He set up the Indonesia Help blog in the wake of the tsunami.

Isman views Indonesian life from Bandung "with pants over his face". His wife, Donna, offers a view of their family, as does their cat.

A. Fatih Syuhud is an Indonesian expat in India keeping a keen eye on noteworthy Indonesian blogs written in English.

Yosef Ardi reports objectively on VIPs in business and politics. A valued resource.

Indonesia Anonymus
For their view of what constitutes a sane society, my pick for Indonesian Newcomer of the Year Award. But please blog more often, guys and gals. You have many more insights to offer.


Java Jive
Brandon maintains a continuous quality of images and writing.

Indcoup
A longtime friend and erstwhile colleague offering a 'tabloid' view. Contender for Newcomer of the Year Award.

Expat in Jakarta is an Australian offering a fresh, so far unjaded, perspective on life here.

Marek Bialoglowy's Blog. A very new blog from another expat in Jakarta, with a particular focus on hyperspace security. I look forward to his analysis of the (lack of) performance of local ISPs.

Wimar Witoelar is a noted commentator on Indonesian affairs.

Paras Indonesia is a revamp of Laksamana.net, with in-depth coverage of Indonesian issues by several writers.

Jakarta Eye ~ noted local British writer, Bill Guerin, offering his idiosyncratic perspective.

Apologies to the many I've probably missed.

Aangirfan, "a co-operative of former convent girls", supposedly based in Monaco, has set up a number of blogs including Indonesia and Jakarta Kid.

Java Richo, now seemingly relocated to Australia, has just returned to the blogosphere.

Kappa, writing in English and Indonesian, is a graphics design student in Jakarta.

Pisang Land
Writes in English and Indonesian.

Sexy Chef has recipes in Indonesia but the pictures whet the appetite.

Shinta is an Indonesian expat care giver in California.

Soulful Girl. The name says it all.

The Swanker, based in Sydney, has long written about Indonesian issues. He is about to spend a year travelling ~ happy travels, Fabian.

Tiara Lestari. Indonesia's pioneering playmate.

Touchy Subjects is a wordy yet worthy, philosophical blog about salvation through words and art. Jakartass is included in his blogroll in his 'Touchy Foreign Viewpoints' links list.

There are several blogs in my permanent links list, to the right in Firefox, which link to Jakartass. Consider yourself awarded.

Here's wishing us all a Happy Blogging 2006.
 

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