One Night in Malang

Last year I studied Indonesian in Malang. It is an interesting little city nestled high on the slopes between four volcanoes in East Java. Because of its elevation, the city is relatively cool and was used as a retreat for the Dutch for a few hundred years during their colonial rule.

Today it is just a quiet place to visit with good weather.

Anyways, I haven't found time to go this year until Monday. Partly because traveling there is rather difficult, partly because I have already done just about everything touristy there is to do there, and partly because I have been busy with work and church responsibilities. Missing Sunday in Jogjakarta is difficult.

Last week I was invited to attend irrigation meetings in Malang, and I jumped at the chance despite the lengthy travel involved.So at 1:30 am Monday morning I was sitting at the Jogja train station waiting for my ride to Malang. It being a week before a major holiday, the train was almost completely empty, which was nice. I got to spread out for the 240 mile, seven-hour trip. Not that I was facing any hardship. I travel first class on trains, which is rather nice. Actually, I prefer to ride the train in Indonesia over cars, buses, and planes. The scenery is great. If only trains were faster.

Oh, and the Ramadhan music they kept playing was terrible. It is fairly similar to sappy Christmas music. The music industry should be banned from turning a buck on religious feelings and holidays. It is a recipe for sub-standard talent to profit off our more worthy emotions; I think an example in the USA is "Christmas Shoes" by NewSong.

Anyways, speaking of religion, Malang's town square (alun-alun) has an interesting feature. A large mosque and a large church are neighbors.In my mind this exemplifies the religious diversity and tolerance that tends to prevail in Indonesia. I write that with reservation, though, as hard-line Muslim groups seem to be gathering strength.

The vast majority of Muslims here are happy to share their country with other religious groups, but it seems that groups espousing a Middle-Eastern interpretation of Islam are becoming more vocal and violent. Truly unfortunate.

Anyways, I took a few scenery pictures. Here are some food sellers sitting outside the town square:Here is my preferred method of transport in Malang: It is called an angkot, and serves as a mini-bus. For 2,500 rupiah (about $0.30) you can get to where you are going, provided you know which route to take. I know my routes from last year: LG, AL, and MM. Beyond that, I have no idea where they go.

More important than the scenery, though, was my visit to see my friends. I revisited my language teachers and tutors from last year. We went to one of their homes and sat and chatted pretty late into the night.

I also visited my old host family. I was lucky to visit when I did. They are moving in about one week. After last year, when the father passed away, the mother decided they needed a smaller house. I enjoyed catching up with her and chatting about her grandchildren.

It was nice to see the house one more time as well. It will always hold a special spot in my heart.

Anyways, after about 36 hours in Malang, many of which were spent in boring meetings, it was time to board another train bound for Jogja. Seven hours later, give or take, I was home.