By Islah Muhammad, Monroe Community College
I landed in Indonesia, carrying one particular naïve assumption, that a country is a country. Indeed, Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, but somewhere in the back of my mind I figured that differences between the cities would be about as dramatic as choosing between Walmart and target. It took less than a day for Indonesia to politely and repeatedly prove me incredibly wrong. For two weeks my group and I traveled through Jakarta, Badung, Yogyakarta and West Sumatra while filming a documentary and conducting individual research. As a 23- year-old black woman and a film student. This was one of the most eye-opening experiences in my life. The trip challenged many of my assumptions, introduced me to cultures unlike anything that I had experienced before and reminded me that every place has its own identity and stories that are truly worth preserving.
Our first stop was Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital. At first glance Jakarta felt surprisingly familiar because of its modern skylines, busy streets, shopping centers and constant movement. It reminded me of other large cities that I have visited. Even then I quickly realize that Indonesia ‘s culture was woven into everyday life. I had the pleasure of visiting the Sinematak building which created my huge appreciation for the countries’ efforts to preserve its cinematic history. As someone studying screen and cinema, it was inspiring to see how Indonesia values film as an important part of its cultural identity. I was also grateful to have explored places like Taman mini-Indonesia and the beautiful Wayang museum that was full of amazing modern and contemporary art, such as paintings, sketching’s, photography, and installations, demonstrating how much Indonesia balances modernization while still honoring its historical traditions.
Some countries reveal themselves slowly. Indonesia preferred high speed rail. The whoosh train carried me from Jakarta to Badung so quickly that it felt less like traveling between cities and more like changing channels. Badung completely changed my expectations. I was surprised by how different it felt from Jakarta, despite only being a train ride away. From the Dutch colonial architecture, tall mountains, and surrounding volcanoes, this made Badung feel worlds away from the bustling streets of Jakarta. It was also one of the first moments during the trip that I began to understand how both geographically and culturally diverse the country is. Walking through the city, I noticed a slightly slower paced, dynamic, tree line streets, and cafés filled with yummy treats and beverages, giving Badung energy that felt relaxing yet innovative. Seeing another side of Indonesia helped me acknowledge that each region has develop its own personality although they all still contribute to the country’s larger identity.
Our next stop was Yogyakarta. I remember that by this point I’d stop trying to predict what Indonesia would feel or look like next as it was a constant surprise and Yogyakarta rewarded me immediately. Yogyakarta instantly became my favorite destination, something about the city made me feel at home. The atmosphere was youthful, yet it remains connected to Javanese traditions. My friends and I spent our time wandering through the city streets, shopping at local markets, and admiring the colorful street art. It was lovely to soak in the creative energy that seemed to have been everywhere. At night, we listened to live music, shared incredible street food, and we even laughed our way through karaoke with the kindest locals. These moments of fun and spontaneity made the city feel even more welcoming. Although there were subtle western influences, Yogakarta still remained rich in its rich cultural identity. It felt like the perfect balance of preserving tradition and embracing modern life.
My individual research focuses on the legend of Nyi Roro Kidul, the Queen of the Southern Sea. Before traveling, I had only read the story, but when visiting Parangtritis beach, it gave the legend an entirely new meaning. Although it was believed that wearing green at the beach was discouraged because of its association with Nyi Roro, I was surprised to see some people still wearing the color, while others were not. This experience revealed the different ways that people interact and interpret cultural traditions. It showed that folklore is not always a strict set of rules, but something that continues to evolve as people find their own connections to it. Even then these stories continue to shape traditions and beliefs in the ways that people understand their relationship with a place. As I stood at the beach, looking out towards the horizon and listening to the vast waves crashing down. I felt a deeper appreciation for mythology and how it can remain alive through people continuing to carry it forward.
Our final destination was West Sumatra and once again, Indonesia refused to be predictable. The first thing that hit me was the scenery and the heat. Being so close to the equator, the air wrapped around me like a warm, damp blanket, making every step earned. Yet somehow that only made the adventure more rewarding. We explored Air Manis beach, visited Batu Malin Kundang, and we also went to a grand mosque that had the most beautiful dome that I had ever seen. My group and I traveled to Bukkitinggi , where the monuments and mountain views were unforgettable. One of the coolest surprises was taking a spontaneous hike to see a corpse flower during our visit. This fleeting event felt like a gift from mother nature herself. Another amazing experience was stopping to try Luwak coffee at the very Café Gordon Ramsay, had experienced. But must I add, one of my most favorite experiences, was having dinner with a local family. They welcomed us with incredible hospitality, introduced us to traditional dishes and goodies, and then took us through their rice fields and showed us the animals on their farm. It was one of those experiences that made the trip feel more personal to me and reminded me that some of the best parts of traveling come from sharing a meal with someone. During my journeys id also, noticed differences in the clothing, architecture, music, cuisine, and everyday life that reflected the traditions of Indonesian people.
One of the biggest lessons I learned from this fellowship was how important it is to approach new places with an open mind. My culture shock did not come from feeling uncomfortable. Instead, it came from realizing how much diversity existed within a single country. I expected similarities, but instead, I found distinct cultures, histories, languages, traditions, and environments everywhere we traveled. Every region has something to offer whether it was Jakarta ‘s modern energy, Badung’s colonial history, Yogyakarta’s artistic spirit, or West Sumatra ‘s natural beauty and cultural traditions.
Looking back, this experience gave me much more than footage for a documentary. It gave me confidence traveling internationally, introduced me to people whose kindness made me feel welcome despite my appearance and being thousands of miles away from home, and it challenged my assumptions that I didn’t even realize I had. Indonesia taught me that a cultures identity cannot be understood or stereotyped by first impressions. Instead, it is built from the countless local cultures, traditions, and stories that deserve to be experienced individually.
As I continue studying film, I know this fellowship will influence the way I tell stories. It reminded me that the most meaningful films come from genuine curiosity, respect for other cultures, and the willingness to learn. Indonesia will always be one of the most impactful experiences in my life, and I’ll carry the lesson that I learned there into every project I create in the future. Just as importantly, I’m grateful I got to experience it alongside an incredible group of people, whose curiosity, creativity, and support made the journey even more meaningful. Terima Kasih Indonesia-thank you for welcoming us with open arms.
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