In recent years, Indonesia has been transformed from the world’s best-kept secret to one of the most misunderstood nations on earth. The dismal litany of reports in the global media – terrorist bomb attacks, natural disasters, environmental destruction, widespread corruption – depicts this vast archipelago as a hostile, benighted region on the verge of joining the world’s roster of failed states.
Nothing could be further from the truth. While most reports are accurate, they only provide a glimpse into this astoundingly complex society and people. No matter how many words a journalist writes about Indonesia, there is always more to the story.
Having lived in Indonesia since 1980, I use my extensive familiarity with this nation’s culture, society, and history to introduce the people and places of the Indonesian archipelago to global audiences. Through a variety of media, including books, magazine articles, videos, and promotional literature, I have sought to portray Indonesia in a fair and positive manner and to promote the interests of Indonesian businesses, cultural and social organizations, and the nation itself.
Since the rebirth of Indonesia as a functioning democracy a decade ago, I have written two books chronicling how common Indonesians are adapting to, and thriving from, the fundamental changes in their society.
My first book, Jakarta Jive, looks at the lives of my Indonesian friends during the riots, economic collapse and other tumultuous public events that accompanied the change in government in 1998.
My second book, Bali Blues, continues to explore the theme of common people in an uncommon time with an account of living in Kuta, Bali, during the months following the devastating terrorist bomb attack on two nightclubs in October 2002.