Streets of Jakarta

Wherever I travel, I find that the best stories are told in the lives of the people who live there. Although cultures and customs may differ, there is a common thread of quiet dignity in all people, particularly those who may at first seem to be "less privileged" than the "haves." But as I walk through the back streets of cities around the world, the common folk bear witness to such a misconception. Remarkably, even the homeless laugh and enjoy what little they have. As a friend in India recently said, "I think that those who have the least are often the happiest." Earlier this month, I spent a few days at a student-led conference in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital city; 500 high school students from around Asia converged on Jakarta International School for the annual Global Issues Network Conference, started by two former colleagues: Clayton Lewis (former principal at the American School in London), now head of school at the Washington, D.C. International School, and Linda Sills (former teaching colleague at the International School Bangkok), now a consultant in San Francisco.
Here is a glimpse of the lives of the people in Jakarta's less traveled neighborhoods. Next: Northern India.

All photos by the author. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Do not use without permission.

Repairs in a fishing village near the Jakarta port.

Many years of hard work in the face of this boatyard worker.

Rickshaw driver taking a break.

Homeless under the freeway.

Proud shopkeeper.

Tattoo contest: I lost big time!

A quiet scene in Jakarta's back streets.

Light moment, waiting for alterations. Note the sewing machine mounted on a bicycle!

Colorful canisters with rice cake snacks

Jakarta kids.

Boat repairs, using sawdust jammed between the planks!

Preschoolers in their bus.