Research and Other Investigations from China

Indonesian Dispatches: Jakarta BMX

March 6, 2011

BMX riders congregate in Kota, Jakarta's old colonial central square, to participate in a makeshift trick competition

My first day in Jakarta (and Indonesia for that matter), I decided to hit up the typical tourist spots like the National Monument and the old city district known as Kota. Expecting a melody of crumbling colonial architecture and dusty museums, I was pleasantly surprised to wander upon a BMX trick competition being held in the central square. In many ways this discovery typified the rest of my trip across Java. In every city Indonesian youths were organizing events and competitions to support their often-offbeat creative and sporting outlets. Although Indonesia is often stereotyped as a restrained and conservative place, the largest Muslim nation is actually brimming in energy as youths seek out alternative lifestyles.

BMX riders congregate in Kota, Jakarta's old colonial central square, to participate in a makeshift trick competitionBMX riders congregate in Kota, Jakarta's old colonial central square, to participate in a makeshift trick competitionBMX riders congregate in Kota, Jakarta's old colonial central square, to participate in a makeshift trick competition

BMX riders congregate in Kota, Jakarta's old colonial central square, to participate in a makeshift trick competition