POLITICAL CONCERNS?

Dear Visitor to Indonesia:

As the operators of Wakatobi Dive Resort, we would like to address some of the safety concerns expressed by divers interested in travelling to Indonesia. The views expressed herein are based on our own personal experiences and those of our expatriate staff (Swiss, Swedish, German, and American) who are frequently travelling through the gateway cities and farthest reaches of Indonesia.

Any political discontent in Indonesia is directed towards the government, cronyism, nepotism and collusion. In certain provinces such as Ambon, East Kalimantan and Java there have occasionally been localized incidents. But Indonesia is a vast country that spans more than 5000 Km from west to east. That some area has experienced unrest does not mean that the whole country is in upheaval. Our resort is located in remote southeast Sulawesi, out in the Banda Sea. It is geographically very far from "civilization" and remains very calm, serene and pristine.

Indonesia is a country in transition and the government is in the process of democratization. We are not crystal ball gazers. We are unable to predict what will happen, but naturally we wish that Indonesia will propser and show the world what it can offer. Based on my experiences, the Indonesians are the friendliest and most kind-hearted people I've ever met. As a foreigner in this country, never once have I encountered unprovoked hostility. Personally I feel confident and safe travelling to and from, and within, Indonesia.

I travel widely through Europe, USA, and Asia. After all the stress and indifference of the urban cities, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia is probably the place where I feel the calmest and the most welcomed. Of course, the fact that day to day events go on as normal is non-sensational and doesn't make headlines on CNN or in the general press! Thus I hope you will come, visit, and see for yourself.

Warmest regards and a big Selamat Datang* from Indonesia,

Henrik M. Rosén
Operations Wakatobi Divers

*Selamat Datang means "Welcome" in the Bahasa Indonesia language!

Follow these links for more Indonesia information:

• Indonesia Dive Report - Manado, Bunaken, and Lembeh
  Island Dreams owner Ken Knezick has made numerous, extended research trips to Indonesia. Read his most recent review of diving opportunities in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, with first-hand reports from Murex Dive Resort and the excellent new Lembeh Resort.


• Island Dreams Group Dive Tours to Indonesia

• Wakatobi Found -- A First-Hand Report from Wakatobi Resort

• Kararu Dive Voyages - Excellent New Indonesia Live-Aboard

• Beneath the Dragon's Realm - Exploring Komodo Park

• Political Concerns? - An Insider's Perspective on Indonesia

• Return to: Explore-Indonesia.com

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