Asia - Jewish Travel in Bali

I am looking to travel with my family to Bali later in the year. We are secular American Jews, but have Jewish surnames. Should we be cautious in Bali?

I am looking to travel with my family to Bali later in the year. We are secular American Jews, but have Jewish surnames. Should we be cautious in Bali?

No more or less than anyone else who visits Bali. Indonesians, on average, and the Balinese, in particular, are not likely to make any issue about that.

I don't think you will have any problems in Bali.

Thanks for the responses. That's the feedback I was hoping to get.

While Indonesia has one of the highest Muslim populations in the world, Bali itself is mostly Hindu. I read somewhere that as the Muslim population increased, the Hindus migrated to Bali.

I would concur. First, as people said, it is predominantly Hindu. Second, we visited a couple of folks with Jewish surnames who live in Bali. They did not seem to have any problems. Third, I'm not sure the Balinese would recognize Steinberg or Schwartz as Jewish anyway.

I personally have never seen any issues with Jewish being in Indonesia in general. Unless you wear orthodox Jewish attire, I don't even think the Indonesians will even pay attention at you other than just another westerners :)
Enjoy Bali - you'll love it. I'm jealous :)

While Indonesia has one of the highest Muslim populations in the world, Bali itself is mostly Hindu. I read somewhere that as the Muslim population increased, the Hindus migrated to Bali.

Indonesia is currently the most populous muslim country in the world, but Bali's traditional religious majority being Hindu has nothing to do with migration as the Muslim population increased and is mostly a myth that was perpetuated by colonialists. Dynastic politics -- and political infighting within the dynasties -- was the driver for migrations and with the local Balinese culture being largely consumed by foreign Hindu and Buddhist migrants from Java and elsewhere who had to make adjustments in order to rule the place and its original habitants.

I would concur. First, as people said, it is predominantly Hindu. Second, we visited a couple of folks with Jewish surnames who live in Bali. They did not seem to have any problems. Third, I'm not sure the Balinese would recognize Steinberg or Schwartz as Jewish anyway.

True. If anything, such names would generally be more likely recognized as German or Scandinavian names or German-American or Scandinavian-American names. And even were someone to ask about religious, national or ethnic affiliations, it's usually more of a curiosity than a desire to act out some kind of hostile prejudice.

There are some risks in Bali, but that would apply regardless. "Westerner" is basically the "look" you are likely to get.

There are some risks in Bali, but that would apply regardless. "Westerner" is basically the "look" you are likely to get.

Just curious what some of these risks are? The typical tourist "scam" activities that can occur anywhere, or something more endemic to this region?

Hell, I go to Bali about 6 times a year and would like to know what these risks are as well??? :)

Only ones I can think of:

Be sure you look the right way when crossing the road ; and, not to blush when asked "happy endding"?? after your massage :D

Stop watching CNN and enjoy a truly magical vacation surrounded by incredibly spiritual people who could care less who or what you are.

http://www.fugly-bali.org/areas.html

Third, I'm not sure the Balinese would recognize Steinberg or Schwartz as Jewish anyway.

.... nor most other Asians ;)

If anything, such names would generally be more likely recognized as German or Scandinavian names or German-American or Scandinavian-American names. And even were someone to ask about religious, national or ethnic affiliations, it's usually more of a curiosity than a desire to act out some kind of hostile prejudice.Just out of curiosity, why would these two surnames be recognized as Scandinavian names? I would say Jewish-German/German/German-American for sure, but Scandinavian? This is not to say that there wouldn't have been immigrants from Germany to Scandinavia of course.

Agree that there should normally not be any problems as the majority of the Indonesians, muslim or hindu, seem to be tolerant and happy people.

surrounded by incredibly spiritual people who could care less who or what you are.

I agree, Bali is great. And no flame intended....but Bali is very commercial and not even remotely close to a Buddhist (or Hindu) temple. :D

Bali I would consider safe, maybe a good idea not to wear your standard "star of David" jewelery if you do at home, but I would not venture into other parts of Indonesia. I have travelled in Java and Lombok but in this current climate I would not.

Firstly the Indonesians you will come into contact with will see you as a tourist and welcome your $$ - indeed the Indonesian government has the same attitude.

The Balinese people who are 92% Hindu will not judge you, they will just make sure you enjoy their island and make sure they earn some of your $$.

While there are some Muslim believers in Bali - most are there for business reasons, and like any belief system it is the fundatmental believers who cause the issues. It is the same in the USA with the Fundamental Christians and the same in Isreal with the Fundamental Jews.

Bali is not called the Island of the Gods for no reason, its a wonderful place to visit, there are some fantastic temples to visit and it is truly a joy to enjoy.

Adam
(who does wear a star of david at home)

I have travelled in Java and Lombok but in this current climate I would not.

Whats this "current climate" all about :confused:

BTW though Indonesia has the highest muslim population in the world (and almost 90% of its population are muslims), Islam is not the official religion and neither is it an Islamic state. Marriages between Muslims and non-Muslims are common and widely practiced, and each ethnic group is free to practice whatever religion they choose. In many ways its more "moderate" and definitely more liberal than neighbouring Malaysia which has a much smaller Muslim population.

A good secular jew friend (with obvious surname) of mine is living in Bali at the moment - she has no issues and is having a fine time there.

Please don't be so worry to go to Bali just because of your name. Balinese people is really open-minded, and we never distinguish people just because of their religion or believe.

Have a good time when you are in Bali, and if you have anything unclear about Bali, you could email me at yudi1607@gmail.com
As I am a Balinese and live in Bali

Cheers

My feeling on the current climate in Indonesia - is that Australia is not very popular at the moment.

There is a great deal of bad feeling between the Indonesian government and the Australian government, and this flows down into other levels of the community.

Currently the original Bali bombers are only weeks away from their execution, there will be some Indonesians who will find this difficult and may motivate them to take revenge. It is that sort of thing that I call current climate.

Indonesia is a wonderful country, under the Sohartu adminstration a lid was keep on the more fundamental views within the country, under later administrations this lid has moved upward.

Many Indonesians are wonderful people, the coexist with many other peoples and views, but there has been unrest for nearly a decade and its wise to take precautions.

My views only, but I travel to Bali often and stay very up to date with whats happening.

Adam

Check the local phonebook to see if they have a listing for a chabad house,:)

I travelled to Bali 3 years ago with a US passport. I was nervous about getting a visa on arrival, since my US passport showed I was born in Israel. I had not issues with immigration, or anywhere else in Bali.

Enjoy your visit - you will have a blast!

As for myself, I'm looking forward to my 2nd trip to Bali - coming up in two months (easter, 2008).