Indonesia

It’s a mighty big place, so I spose it depends on where you’re going. I’ve worked in Bali, Medan, Jakarta and Aceh (and East Timor, but that’s not Indonesia anymore) and I’ve found Indonesian people to be amongst the friendliest and most optimistic I’ve met. I’ve never had the slightest problem with street photography and photographing people. If you come from a western background, you will notice that Indonesian people hold the media in quite high regard compared to us. There’s generally easy access to wifi, and no matter where you go you will never find yourself far away from a satellite TV dish or Coca-Cola. I would advise you to be careful of any domestic air travel. If you’re ever going to be involved in a mid-air emergency in your life time, it will probably be in Indonesia. I would have advised you to stay clear of all their budget carriers and only fly on Garuda, but not since one of our colleagues died and others were badly hurt with them last year. I don’t know if any of them are better than the others.

A good fixer will make everything run smoothly and won’t cost you too much.

By the way, there are plenty of Indonesian photographers on here who might be able to help you.

Hi Wade, Thanks for the tips. I plan to start out in Jakarta and travel trough the country andI will propably stay on one Island (Java), allthough I would like to see some parts of sumatra too… The trip will be in April and I will stay about 25 days (give and take).
A few questions. Do I need a press visa to shoot in Jakarta (or any other major city for that matter)? Any advice on plaintickets/flightroute out of Europe?

I am assuming it’s sort of a recreational trip(?), so you’ll be right as a tourist. Don’t take too much gear with you and they won’t care. Plus you won’t want to lug much around with you on that sort of trip.

Singapore Airlines have some specials on now. You might get on their new A380 too!

guido, i have worked much in indonesia and have never had any issues, just do not try and stick out too much and carry too much gear, and you will be fine, I always travel on a tourist visa where ever i go, and check lightstalkers cause i have met many great snappers in jakarta, bali, east java, etc from here! also good advice on a guide or fixer, they have cheap day rates and if you also have time i would advise you to learn a bit of malay, it is probbably one of the easier languages to learn and will go a long way!

Guido,

You don’t need a press visa to shoot here. Well, maybe you will be having difficulties entering west Papua, but other than that it’s very simple: just point and shoot.

I’ve sent you a pm.

Indonesia ?
too many interestering stories here…
perhaps may started in Porong, Sidoarjo…there’s a big mud disaster or West papua (as Rony said). or Ambon, post sectarian conflict.

hallo guido, i can see in our travel plan you will arrive at jakarta at april,3 2008. if you want to go to yogyakarta and central java, i will help you to explore this area. and the living cost at yogyakarta more cheap than any other city at java island.

Not too much gear you can take it in Indonesia. Only tourist visa needed here. But in some goverment’s facility, you will need permit to take picture in. Most of people in Indonesia are welcome. If you plan to the Central Java, East Java & Jogjakarta, I can help you.

Thanks for all the help so far, guys. It has been very helpful so far. I will arrive in Jakarta April 3th. I might contact some of you in the next week (if I haven’t done so already…). Any additional info on West Papua is also welcome.

Hi Guido,…Assalam!
I have a lot info about central java and also I would help U when you visiting Jogjakarta…specially if you visit Via-via cafe U can find me there,….
Bowo

All set to go! I leave tomorrow and will arrive in Jakarta April 3rd…

welcome to indonesia guido. i hope we will meet soon

welcome abroad Guido !!!

Beware of the humidity , mold, mildew while you are there. Just about all my lenses were destryed last year by getting infected. Try and find some Silica Crystals to store in your camera bag and dry them out regularly.

Ditch anything you have made of leather. It attracts mold/mildew in a matter of days. It was my leather wallet that started the infection of my camera gear. I was unaware of the potential problems at the time. Make sure all equipment is aired each day and always gets some use.

Otherwise the place is awesome , friendly and heaps of photo ops , especially ceremonys in Bali. Exotic island shots readily available in the islands east of Bali. Enjoy.

Steve