I have visited Indonesia about 12 times in the last five years and every time I have gone there, there is so much to learn and see. I usually make one trip every time I visited, lasting about two weeks to Padang, West Sumatra, in this beautiful country. Each time, I am there, I am engaged in all sorts of conversations, even discussing, when the next big earth quake would hit Padang, as was forecasted. No one seemed to have any details, citing the fact that the Government along with its’ Japanese counterpart, have installed high tech alarm systems, of any impending earthquake and or tsunami. However, on Wednesday of last week, these systems did not sound an alarm.

Padang, a relatively prosperous port city with a population of about 900,000.It lies on a coastal plain backed by mountains. The West Sumatra government does not allow night clubs, no bikinis on the beaches and no liquor to be consumed. It adheres to Islamic laws. Its’ beaches are clean and safe. There is no gun crimes as citizens all over Indonesia are not allowed to own guns. One feels very safe in Padang. Transportation is relatively dirt-cheap and gas sells nationally at $0.45 US per litre. Living costs, including grocery, fresh meat, fish and vegetables are very affordable. It has a state- of- the- art International Airport which hosts about 40 flights per day.

It is a home to the Minangkabau ethnic group, whose traders spread its traditions, – including their famed spicy food – as they settled across the country. Padang Makan as it is called is a national favourite. The menu is plentiful, mouth watering and satisfying.

The city also lies on one of the world’s most active fault lines, making it vulnerable to the earthquakes and tsunamis that have become an increasing concern to residents in recent years. Where I usually stay, is about 300 meters from the Indian Ocean. Although this city is hot and humid, I never needed air-conditioning, as I enjoyed the same fresh breeze of the Indian Ocean as I am used to in Guyana.

It is a city that is used to smaller earthquakes but no recent ones that have created wide spread destructions as this one.

The streets of Jaunda and its’ surroundings, are laced with huge businesses and serve as the epicenter of banking and commerce in Padang. It boasts a population of close to 900,000 and has the finest universities, including law, medical and engineering faculties. Many thousands of Malaysian students study there.

In most government offices in Jakarta, courts, hospitals and engineering companies, one would find the majority are graduates from universities in Padang. It is one of the few good learning centres in Indonesia.

Padang is important to Indonesia and is also a point of transit for European

surfers. It is an unspoilt city.

Culturally, it is known for the unusual matrilineal system of the Minangkabau, whereby inheritance passes from mother to daughter.

Padang women are seen as being particularly forthright and powerful and they exercise these rights to the fullest. These women are shrewd and powerful business people. They excel in all types of businesses.

It’s sister city, City of Buttinggi, on the other end of West Sumatra, boasts as the capital where all S. E Asian Royalties, Datuks and Datins, originate from.

The region also has strong literary and musical traditions, though it is Padang’s spicy cuisine that has perhaps won most renown as the city’s traders set up restaurants across Indonesia.

It typically consists of hot curries and other dishes served up in dozens of small bowls.

The area’s most important businesses include textiles, cement, palm oil, rice, sugar, oil refineries and rubber. Transport across the province was reported to have been affected by the latest earthquake. Now everything is at a stand still. Roads are still impassable.

Despite the hundreds that were killed and the thousands of homes and businesses destroyed, Padang will again rise from the destruction to again be a bustling city.
MOHAMED MOBIN
Toronto, Ontario
Canada