Stake Conference

Today we attended the Jakarta Stake Conference. There were 750 in attendance.

 The speakers spoke of missionary work and the importance of sharing the message of the Savior Jesus Christ with friends and family.  In Indonesia it is against the law to share your religion with others unless they ask. 

Last year there were 79 baptisms in Indonesia with 40 so far this year.

Recently we attended the organization of the second stake in Indonesia—this one is in Solo, in Central Java (the main island where Jakarta is also located).

The Church started missionary work in Indonesia around 1970.  Today there are about 6500 members.  Many of the members are second and third generation, have served missions and become the strong foundation of the Church.  The members are very faithful and spiritual.

Cemeteries (including the goats!)

We have three large cemeteries around our apartment complex with thousands of graves.  We are told some people won’t even live here for that reason.  However, so far we have not seen any ghosts, only goats!  Each cemetery has a Christian Section and a Muslim Section.  As you will see from the pictures below, cemeteries are a little different in Indonesia—at least in the city of Jakarta. Various vendors, people live there, etc.

Located just inside the main entrance to the cemetery.  For the inguiring mind, I have bought flowers three different times--which makes this lady and Gail very happy!

You can buy snacks, drinks, or a complete meal of rice, soup, etc.

Chickens attempting to find something to eat!

There are many goats roming the cemetery.  There is plently for them to eat!

Another vendor.  One stop shopping--get you tire fixed, buy gasoline (note the bottles on the shelf-they have gasoline in them!), buy a grave marker.

Someone's house.

Laundry Day!

Cloths hanging out to dry, the sides are plastic tarps that are unrolled at night.  I am told that local people come and teach the children because the parents can not afford to send them to school.

Taman Mini Indonesia

Located in Jakarta is a place called Taman Mini Indonesia.  it is a park filled with famous buildings from all parts of Indonesia and authentic examples of the various cultures through Indonesia. The park includes a sky-car tour, IMAX theatre, dances, and cultural events. The name translates as Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park.  Following are some pictures from our visit to the park.  Following are a few of the buildings.

The Reptile area of the zoo

This is a real Komodo Dragon.  The tongue is poisonous.  Gail wouldn't come into the pit for a picture, so I had to!

Since I don't care for snakes, this is the first and last time I plan to hold one!

One of the features of the park is this lake with man made islands that represent the country of Indonesia.

Kawah Ratu Crater

On a recent trip we went to Mt. Tangkuban Perahu and the Kawah Ratu crater.  We also went to Kawah Upas where you stand between two big craters and Kawah Domas where you can walk on the volcanic rock.  This is a big tourist attraction.  The craters are active with steam coming out and the smell of sulfur in the air.  The elevaton is about 6800 ft. above sea level.  It was very windy and cool.  It felt great!

Standing at the edge looking down into the Kawah Ratu crater.

Another view of Kawah Ratu

Gail and Sister Meredith standing at the edge of the crater.  Don't they look nice with thier "windy" hair styles!

This is along the crater on the way to Kawah Upas---you can buy about any type of sovnier or food.  Note the steam coming up from behind the buildings on the left.

Walking to Kawah Domas.  It is always green in Indonesia!

This is Kawah Domas where you can get upclose and personal with volcanic activity.  In the upper left hand corner you can see someone with their feet in the warm, muddy water.

Easter in Indonesia

We had a great Easter weekend and hope you did also.  Even with 90% of the country Muslim, Good Friday is a national holiday in Indonesia.  The Easter Bunny did not show up---and that was nice!  The focus was appropriately on the Atonement and Resurrection of the Savior.  We had 15 people over for dinner on Saturday evening.  The missionaries brought people they had been teaching.  After dinner we watched The Testaments, a movie about the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The Spirit was felt and everyone left uplifted.

I am taking the picture!

We recently spent a few days in   

Bandung---the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java)by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back at the colonial times. Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers.

Located at the altitude of 768 m with the surroundings of lush and beautiful Parahyangan mountains makes the climate mild and pleasant. The city has been well known for the universities, apparel products and a great place for gastronomic adventure. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who would crowd the city on weekends and national holidays.

Following are some pictures of the few buildings left from the Dutch era---most are in need of serious renovation.  The Dutch lost control of Indonesia in the 1940s.

These pictures were taken within two blocks of were we stayed.

Enjoy!

The center point of the city

This is were we stayed, The Homan Savoy, the oldest operating hotel in Bandung.

The sidewalks in the old section of town.  Sister Beaman got some very "bad" ideas for her sidewalks at home!

Sister Meredith and Sister Beaman

Year of the Dragon

2012 is the Chinese Year of the Dragon.  There is a large Chinese population in Jakarta so the celebration of the Chinese New Year in January was interesting—lots of fireworks and colorful decorations.  One of the very high end malls is Pacific Place which is a major shopping center for the Chinese, who control a very large portion of the wealth in Indonesia.  Following are some pictures of the decorations in the Mall.

The Mall is eight stories, the dragon is the length of about six stores!

The dragon is made of nylon and is lighted from one end to the other.