Standard of Living in Jakarta & Philippine

Recently I was abit curious about the standard of living in the country of origin of my colleagues. I was discussing with my colleagues about the standard of living in the city of their countries and how the young generation is surviving just hope to get a clearer picture of the situation in their countries.

My Indonesian colleagues told me that the average wage for University Grad in Jakarta (Capital of Indonesia) is only around USD300 (Rupiah2.7Millions, taking 1USD= 9000Rup). Taking into consideration of the rental, meal, transportation, telephone bill etc, at month end there is basically nothing left for saving. It seems that the residences merely making enough money for their basic living from the above calculation, however due to the culture and the other factors, side income like “commission” that one earns every month can be more than their basis salary. That is the reason why my colleague said that, today the competition to get into government employment is so intense especially those dealing with the public.  It gives the employees the “opportunity” to get side income once employed in the agency.

Looking at the other towns away from the capital, the standard of living is not so high where people enjoy living in a small village, having extra land for farming beside their house.  This is in Indonesia, just like the other part of the world, the gap between the rich and the poor is getting wider and wider. At the end of the day, it is the mentality that separates the rich and the poor.  You are not born rich but you choose to be poor.

Not far across the ocean is the island country, the Philippine. Philipinas, according to my colleagues, are facing tougher challenge to survive in the city, Manila. Property price is getting higher and higher, so does the price for other daily expenses. According to my colleagues, the average pay for fresh university graduate is around USD400-USD500 in Manila. However, due to the cost of property in Manila, most of the workers who come from other cities will have no choice but to rent an apartment. The accommodation made up by many compartments with only bed, kitchen and toiler is very common in Manila as per my colleagues. A small compartment may cost USD50-USD100 per month. Crime rates are high in Philippine and among the cases, many are convicted by street kids. Those street kids who sniff glue or take drug are the most dangerous person whom might snap you while walking on the street. According to them, the problem is getting worst in the town away from the Capital Manila. These kids are not educated and have no home because their family problem or the parents are not able to take care of them due to unemployment. Overall, it is becoming more and more challenging for young couples in Philippines to raise children and settle down in Manila.

To be continue with the same story but on Ivory Coast (West Africa)