Posted by J on Friday, 30. October 1998 at 06:26 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Just back - a report !! posted by Bik on Wednesday, 28. October 1998 at 23:00 Bali Time:
Thanks Bic for your interesting and informative reflections of your trip. I, too, have traveled quite a bit throughout Java and Maluku and found similar perspectives. The people of Indonesia are really gentle and caring. It is unfortunate that so many tourists in Bali have almost spoiled the natural cultural norms of community and caring and have caused many to only see people in terms of dollar signs -- and what they can get from them.
Although I do not fault the Balinese for trying to make a living, I found many of them quite greedy and rude in comparison with other Indonesians from Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Maluku. I sadly believe that this is a direct result of tourism and its financial prosperity. Too bad.
I must say that I have met many wonderful Balinese that are not greedy or rude -- but most of them away from the tourist centers, in the countryside, and smaller communities. I guess that is similar to most cultures -- where the urban centers often become overrun by people with less than desireable values.
All in all, I really do like Bali and plan to visit there again next year. Thanks for reminding us Bic about our role in affecting a small part of the Indonesian people and their culture.