Thursday's Adventures

I am writing this entry on Friday morning because by the time I got to my hotel last night, I was too tired to do a thing…… This is not for the meek!

The day began with a presentation at the University of Balikpapan. Although everything worked out in the end, there were a few tense moments. First, the university is located on a dirt road. Many of the buildings are being repaired so there is a lot of bamboo scaffolding about. However, when we were escorted to the room where I would give my presentation, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the room was large, clean, and air-conditioned. Two of the university’s administrators soon arrived and after the preliminary pleasantries, the Dean of the Faculty of Letters began to complain that the university is on holiday, that there will not be a lot of students, the preliminary information provided was insufficient, and she did not forward the information widely because she didn’t understand the content. The representative from the US Embassy remained very polite and contrite, but the woman continued to insist that this was not handled properly. I remained very quiet as I was certainly not responsible for the preliminary plans.

However, after that rather rocky beginning, about 7 people did arrive including 3 students. We sat in circle and I talked. I thought everything went fine and we left as friends. In the car, the US Embassy reps explained that they had sent the same information to this university as they did to the others. They had not received information or confirmation for two weeks. So, whatever………

We then drove onto a very special high school. SMK is a vocational high school in Balikpapan and is arguably the best high school in the area. I was impressed with the fine young students all in their special uniforms. Each discipline (machining, computer tech, drafting, etc) has a separate uniform. It is amazing to me that so many of these young people speak a fair amount of English.

We ate lunch at a seafood restaurant that was good, but as typical, the service is really, really, slow. The Indonesians do not use chopsticks. Everywhere I have been the tables have been set with knives and forks. However, at this restaurant I witnessed several men eating with their hands. Yes, they just use their fingers to pick up rice and vegetables, and pieces of meat and fish. One of my escorts saw me sort of staring at this scene and he explained to me that many people do eat only with their fingers (Indian style). Use of a fork is certainly more genteel, but in the country-side, fingers are used. Interesting…….

The last presentation was at the State Polytechnic of Balikpapan. This is a vocational type of college. I spoke to about 25 faculty and administrators who listened intently and asked the usual difficult questions.

By this time I was already tired, but we began the 3 hour ride to Samarinda, a city on the west side of the island of Borneo. The rode was long and windy and through some thick vegetation. The two-land road was in good repair, but the drivers are happy to pass cars on curves and on hills, etc. There were a few times I was a little bit scared. We had a good driver, however, and for the most part I felt safe. The road lead through some areas of extreme poverty. It is sad to see the shacks where so many people live. I can’t imagine their lives.

We arrived at the hotel around 8:30 PM. This hotel is fine, but it is certainly less luxurious than my ]it did have an air-conditioner and a TV with a few English cable channels.

Feb. 17-- Landing in Borneo

I am thankful for my hearty buffet breakfast that I got at the hotel this morning because the activities of the day didn’t leave a lot of time for refreshments. Further, I hope that the activities burned off the calories.

Today’s venue included a trip the U.S. E massy to conducted a digital video conference with the the American Corners in Bandung, Yogyakarta and Surabaya. American corners are areas reserved in the public libraries where there are a collection of American books and materials. These “corners” are supplied with materials from the US Embassy. There were a about 30 high school students in the room with me in Jakarta, plus about 20 or so more at each of the three “corners.” I could see them on a video screen and they could see me in the same manner.

The students were all dressed in their uniforms. I wish I could have taken a photo of these colorful uniforms but the embassy did not allow me to take my camera (or any other electronic devices) into the lecture room. While the technical issues were being worked out, I was able to speak directly to the students in Jakarta; asking them about their favorite subjects, their future plans, and other light chatter prior to the “show.” I was a bit surprised to hear that several of the students did not have college plans. I hope I made a difference, as they seemed very interested in the topic. Further at the end of the lecture many of these “non-college bound” students asked me questions and asked for my business card.

The Q and A sessions that follow the talks are always challenging for me. First, I have a hard time understanding the questions because of the difficulty many of the folks have with English. Of course their English is better than my Bahasa Indonesia (the Indonesian language) so I shouldn’t complain. But the questions range from the simple to the impossible. A few examples:

1. Is there a way that Indonesians can come to America to study for free?
2. At my town, the industry does not recognize our students’ degrees. What should we do?
3. How can we have a community college? Can you bring them here?

After the meeting I was rushed away from the embassy to attend a press conference at the Jakarta Fulbright office. These offices are called AMINEF. I am not sure what the acronym stands for; but it is in the Indonesian language.

Five reporters from the major Jakarta area newspapers were present and asked quite a few questions. They took a few pictures too. I hope to be able to see these articles.

From there we went to the Jakarta Airport to catch our plan to Balikpapan (Borneo). I know I have already spoken of the traffic, but it is so unbelievable that it merits additional comment. A short destination takes a tremendous time due to the congestion. The snail’s pace allows street vendors to buzz around and be pretty insistent.

Another Jakarta common scene is individuals standing in the street holding up a finger. I thought they were hitchhikers, or beggars. But I learned that they are willing to ride with you so that you can take advantage of the HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes that move a little bit faster. Amazingly, this takes place in front of the police.

The Jakarta airport has a steep learning curve. For example, I learned that every suitcase must be placed on a machine to have a chord wrapped around its middle. I guess this keeps the workers from opening the bags. Then at the ticketing counter, I had to pay an airport tax plus another fee for overweight baggage.

I thought the security at the Jakarta Airport would have been very strict. WRONG. Imagine, I did not have to take my computer out of my bag, take off my shoes, or remove my suitcoat. This was especially surprising since the hotels have such tight security.

On the plane I was shocked to be served a meal complete with a Dixie-cup of ice-cream. Not bad for a 2 hour domestic trip.

I landed on the island of Borneo and the city of Balikpapan. I think this is pretty amazing because my only knowledge of Borneo has been through National Geographic. My first impression of this island is positive. Whereas I found Jakarta to be big and dirty, Balikpapan is green and less crowded.

We went directly to the hotel; the Novotel of Balikpapan. So far, my experiences have been less than satisfactory. We arrived around 7:30 PM local time. When we tried to check in we were told that the rooms were not ready yet. Seems odd that the rooms weren't ready at 7:30 PM? But, when in Indonesia, one has to do like the Indonesians. It took a good hour to get the key. Then I couldn't get the elevator to work. I had to get another key (you need to swipe the room key to make the elevator work). When I arrived in my room, my bag was waiting for me (good news) but the bad news is that there was a strange bag in my room too! Soooo back down to the lobby bringing the suitcase that belongs to someone else.

I am tired and am going to bed. Tomorrow will be another busy day.

Pictures from Tuesday Feb. 16

Tuesday Feb 16-- Exhausting!!

The U.S. Embassy really knows how to drive someone to exhaustion. It is late in the evening and I have just arrived to my hotel room after a non-stop day that started very early this morning.

The day began with a presentation to the Ministry of National Education (MONE). MONE is the equivalent of the US Department of Education. The room was set up in a typical Asian style, a series of desks in a semi circle. Each desk had a small box of snacks and a bottle of water. There were about 35 people in attendance, coming from all over the country. The majority were from technical high schools.

My speech had to be interpreted into Bahasa Indonesia so I had to speak slowly and pause for my interpreter. It is always harder for me to speak through an interpreter as I lose my expression and I worry that the talk comes out flat. But, I think the message got through because of the large number of questions asked.

What is becoming scary to me is the number of folks who say "I have your business card and I will email you with my questions and requests." Almost everyone wants to develop a partnership. I have no idea how I am going to handle all of this --- there sure is a lot of interest in working with the U.S.

After this presentation we went to lunch at a truly beautiful restaurant. Indochine was located on the top floor of a large building. The restaurant was filled with large beautiful chandeliers. While the restaurant was beautiful, the service was slow.

The next stop was the University of Jakarta. This very large university is located in the heart of the city. I must admit that the University was not a beautiful campus. The campus looked old, dirty, and in ill repair. But there was the big banner welcoming me (However, they spelled my name wrong --Hagedron). As I walked into the building where I was to speak, I saw that two tables had been set up for registration to come hear me.

I entered the very large room filled with students and faculty. I estimate the crowd to be about 200. The meeting began with the President of the university giving a rather long talk, followed by a shorter talk from the U.S. Embassy representative. By the time I was told to start, I thought the audience would have been tired and ready for a break.

The talk went well. Lots of questions and lots of offers to work with me.

Next came a harrowing ride to a reception. The traffic is unbelievable!! Thank God we have a very good driver. The reception was held in a very nice restaurant. The event was listed as a "high coffee" but I would call it appetizers. There were about 20 people at the reception, some of them people I have met at my previous events. By this time I was totally exhausted. I did my best to talk intelligently. I am not sure I was successful.

The bottom line is that I had a good day but I worry that I made some promises that will be difficult to keep.

February 15

February 15th – First Presentations
My day began with a ride through the Jakarta traffic to the town of Cikarang. Cikarang is west of Jakarta and can be thought of as a sort of suburb and a part of the greater Jakarta metropolis. First a little bit about the traffic. Drivers drive on the left side of the road and cars have the steering wheel on the right. That little change is a bit disconcerting, but the motorcycles that appear to have drivers with a death wish are enough to strike fear into the heart of even the bravest.
We arrived at President University, the site of my first presentation. I was thrilled to see a large banner outside of the school announcing my visit. We had tea with the Vice Rector, a faculty member from Australia and others prior to the presentation. I found President University to be unique and very interesting. Begun in 2005, the university offers an all English environment. All courses are taught in English and there are signs in the hall to remind students to “speak in English at all times.” The school currently hosts international students from China and Vietnam and is hopeful to establish some exchanges with the US; a topic we discussed for some time. I was escorted to a large auditorium with a stage and another large banner. The room began to fill with students and faculty. I estimate the audience to be about 100.

The program began with a troop of Indonesian dancers. I was told that these students will be performing for President Obama on his upcoming visit. The students were talented and colorful. After the President gave a short talk, I was invited up to the podium and I presented the American Community College and Technical College system.

My talk was well-received and a lot of pictures were taken.

After lunch I was given a tour of the Mattel plant. The Mattel plant provides many internships with President University. I was impressed by the factory that makes the Barbie dolls for export. I was saddened a bit to learn that Barbie is not sold in Indonesia because the doll is too expensive.

In the afternoon, I presented a similar program to the Akademi Teknik Mesin Industri (ATMI; Indonesian Machinery Industry Academy). ATMI is a technical college that educates male students in manufacturing and machining. I presented to about 40 young men wearing white ATMI blazers. I also had a tour of the facilities. While the lecture classrooms were air-conditioned, the machine-shops were sweltering. But the heat did not dismay the avid learners.