For me, one of the most exciting parts about Indonesia is living in one of the most active parts of the “Ring of Fire.” As a kid, I would always love the week in science class when we learned about tectonic plates, their movements, and the incredible things that they can create. I hoped one day I would get the chance to see them.
Little did I know I would spend six months living literally at the foot of a volcano. Mt. Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in Java, is located roughly 14 miles from my home. Because of its high elevation and Yogyakarta’s frequent storms (the rainy season is no joke: always remember your umbrella and an extra pair of shoes—streets become rivers in a matter of minutes), Merapi is only visible early in the morning or after a storm has cleared, smoke constantly billowing from its top.
I was lucky enough to climb Mt. Merapi (it’s safe enough to do so right now due to lack of activity) and learn about its history, namely, its largest eruptions and the damage that it had caused. The last major eruption occurred in 2010 and caused substantial damage. The villages closest to the peak were completely destroyed by the hot gases of the ash cloud, leaving thousands homeless. The lava flow disrupted rivers, ecosystems and, down in the city, schools and businesses were closed for about a week due to the falling ash. It was the closest thing my Indonesian friends ever had to a snow day.
But, Mt. Merapi is not the only natural threat to Yogyakarta that resulted from Indonesia’s location in the Ring of Fire—earthquakes are common as well. Yogya has had its fair share of earthquakes, with the worst in recent history happening in 2006. The 2006 earthquake measured as a 6.3 on the Richter scale and caused 5,700 deaths.
I assumed that living permanently with the threat of danger would induce some sort of anxiety for the people of Yogya. However, when I asked my Indonesian friends how they felt about Merapi, earthquakes, and the possibility of destruction or disruption in their daily lives, the answer was always the same: “There’s no need to worry. Everything is going to be okay; it always is. Just relax and enjoy your life here.” Depending on the person, some even took that sentiment a step further and said that God has a plan, and this is all a part of his plan.
At first these reactions seemed a little bit confusing, but, in hindsight they all makes perfect sense as it is in accordance with Javanese culture. During my time in Yogya, I have found the Javanese, the largest ethnic group in the Indonesian archipelago, which account for most of Java’s population, to be some of the genuinely nicest and happiest people I have ever met. I have been invited into homes and communities with open arms and a whole lot of food. My mistakes—whether cultural, linguistic, or otherwise (I’m somewhat of a klutz. You’d be surprised how often I’ve drop/spilled things.)—have been met with smiles, laughter, and a reassurance that it’s okay.
What I’ve found is that more than anything, the Javanese value peace, harmony, and the overall happiness of the community. This manifests in a very passive, relaxed attitude and what appears to be the absence of conflict. Through my time here, I have come to realize that, like almost any other community in the world, there are actually conflicts and problems brewing below the surface, but, they are handled in such a delicate and indirect manner that it is difficult to see them at first glance.
Although there are definitely a lot of positive aspects to this type of culture, as foreigner who grew up in a very direct culture, it was a challenging concept for me to completely grasp. I would often struggle to understand what my Indonesian friends actually meant, as it is common to say one thing and mean something else. If I had a problem, I tried desperately to handle it in a Javanese manner to avoid being rude or disrespectful and living up to the stereotypes some Indonesians have about foreigners.
But, as frustrating as it was for me at times, it seems that the Javanese system works well for the Javanese. No matter what type of challenges they may be facing—whether it be the threat of natural disasters, or, more recently, a sense of political unrest over the upcoming election, the Javanese culture allows the people to Yogya to wake up each morning with a positive attitude and minimal stress, which is something I want to try to take home with me.
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