Social media was once again abuzz with the posting of a Malaysian tourist who recounted unpleasant experience from his holiday in Jakarta. Using the TikTok named @intanurliana, the tourist shared a series of photo slides depicting the city’s unkempt and unsavoury conditions.
Uploaded on Tuesday, 5th March 2024, the video swiftly gained traction and went viral among Indonesian social media users. Garnering over 7.5 million views, the photo slideshow sparked a deluge of comments, predominantly from Indonesian netizens. The post highlighted the prevalence of slum areas and unclean conditions across Jakarta, along with criticisms regarding the cleanliness of restaurant establishments.
In the comments section of the Malaysian tourist’s post, numerous Indonesian netizens argued that the tourist’s chosen destinations did not accurately represent Jakarta’s tourism offerings. They emphasized that there are plenty of exciting places worth visiting in Jakarta. Additionally, there were several negative remarks directed at Malaysian tourist, including:
“If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to avoid visiting remote areas in Jakarta. You can’t classify a roadside fried rice stall as a restaurant,” commented @tintanton_.
“Despite the presence of upscale shopping centres like Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, you chose to visit Thamrin City,” remarked @xerviosimjangi.id.
Ini mah low budget, masih banyak tempat yg bagus dijkt😂 jadi dihujad kan, ditunggu review orang indo ke malaysia
— D (@ja80197) March 7, 2024
The upload by Malaysian tourist isn’t just making waves on TikTok; it’s also gaining traction on Twitter and other platforms. Many netizens are expressing their disagreement with the content, arguing that it’s unfair to compare urban areas with suburbs. They suggest that the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) area should be compared with Jakarta’s Sudirman-Kuningan area, which serves as the business and tourism hub.
Indonesian netizens are keen to highlight the abundance of exciting tourist destinations in Jakarta. For those seeking beach experiences, the Thousand Islands or Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) area is recommended.
Meanwhile, those interested in immersing themselves in the urban atmosphere of Jakarta can explore various attractions in Central and South Jakarta. These areas boast numerous museums, parks, and other intriguing spots for tourists to enjoy.
