Surabaya Travel Answers

Hi Mark, I am sure you will be ok. The world media loves to make out Indonesia is a horrid place with everyone wishing to kill every western person who visits- HOW WRONG ARE THEY? The Indonesian people liviing in East Java are some of the loveliest people I have ever met and I have been to Indonesia 8 times since 1997 and spent two long periods of time there 4 months in 2000 and 5.5 months in 2006. Being an Aussie woman travelling by myself has never proved to be a problem in any way- ( Aust and Indonesia do not always agree eye to eye on certain things) I have some maps of Java and of Surabaya that may prove to be useful for you. Just email me at pamela_fuge@yahoo.com.au Pamela

Despite traveling through the not-so-nice neighborhoods on the way to my job sites, I saw lots of poor neighborhoods and people living very meager lives, however, I was treated very well and always felt safe in Indonesia. I made a few local friends that helped my several months there pass by nicely. They, their friends, the establishments we went to and everyone we met was quite nice and welcoming.

As a young American girl travelling by herself extensively throughout Asia, I always found all the people to be respectful and friendly, if not curious, etc. Admittedly, a lot of that travel was yrs ago, but even with the 'militant Muslim' problem, I don't believe the 'everyday' people are much different--particularly if YOU are courteous, respectful, reasonably knowledgeable about them and their ways. Many may disagree with some of America's policies, but I actually had several express to me that they knew the diffrence between the Government, and a tourist/traveller. The only real prejudice I found along the way toward Americans was from other Westerners (Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and some Europeans)....would you believe that because it was during the Vietnam War, they acted as if I was responsible! Especially as you are meeting up with local people whom you already know, there shouldn't be any problems; just heed the usual travel precautions.

Hello Mark Is your girlfriend Indonesian? I only ask because if not and she is working or visiting as a foreigner to Indonesia, then she should be able to help put your families fears to rest, If she is Indonesian, is she a Muslim? If she is then it shows that not all Muslims (and especially the one's in Indonesia)hate Americans, or indeed other nationalities for that matter, If she is a Christian Indonesian then once again, it shows that not all Indonesians hate outsiders. Much the same as the previous posters have said. Also many many Indonesians (and there are a lot of them) are really happy that Barack Obama is the new President, and they are proud of the fact that he spent a few years in Indonesia, going to school and growing up amongst the local people. And when he was elected there were parties and celebrations all over for his success,,,,,,, bet they didn't show that much on the news over there in America.

hi..mark !sorry I do not know if you be coming to Indonesia or have returned to the country, I just wanted to make sure that if you come to Indonesia, you'll be fine, especially if you come to the east of Java, though most of its population are Muslims but we do not hate the American people we will welcome even good. I live in a village near the crater ijen which is one tourist destination visited by many tourists from various countries. please come to my place. i will take you to see a traditional art music called "GLUNDENG",traditional processing of agricultur and rural community life

Providing that you are courteous, respectful, reasonably knowledgeable about them and their ways then you will be fine, as I am sure you can acknowledge? I'm English and by far the most friendliest people I have met have been in Muslim countries particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. I have traveled extensively including USA and the difference in warmth is enormous.