Looking for Roses in a Post-Covid World

A Portlander’s Perspective on a Rising Indonesia

In 2018, I chose to pursue my graduate studies at Peking University in Beijing, China. Eager to delve into international relations from within the Asia-Pacific region, I hopped on a plane leaving my Portland, Oregon roots behind. My plans to utilize mainland China as a hub for intellectual pursuits were abruptly altered by the outbreak of Covid-19. Outside of the People’s Republic during the 2020 Lunar New Year holiday, and facing challenging travel restrictions to return to Beijing, I ultimately settled in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which has since become my new home.

Alexander Parini, Lecturer at the University of Economics and Finance, representing the Faculty of International Relations a high school student recruitment day event.

With global travel back on track, this Lunar New Year, known as Tet in Vietnam, I was eager to explore some of Asia’s fastest-growing economies and landed on Indonesia. Home to nearly 300 million inhabitants spread across over 17,000 islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia has garnered attention for its immense political and economic potential. A 2023 investment report by the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia noted the nation's strong post-pandemic recovery, which led to the economy growing by over 5% in 2022.

Like countless other travelers, I began my journey in Jakarta, Indonesia's bustling capital city, home to an estimated 11 million people. Here, I witnessed the country's economic development from luxury malls to the Central Business District (CBD) and new apartment high rises. Despite evident income inequality during my transit from the airport to downtown, the economic hubs of the city were undeniably impressive. I was grateful for the warmth and hospitality extended to me by many Indonesians, who generously shared insights into their lives and perspectives, enriching my experience.

Jakarta’s Central Business District (CBD) at night. Source: SpacesAsia 

While it might be overstated to claim that the prevailing theme among those I encountered was unbridled optimism for the future, there was certainly a remarkable absence of pessimism in conversations across the country. During my time in Indonesia, the nation was gearing up for its upcoming presidential election. Despite the political significance of the occasion, there was a notable absence of existential dread. On election day, outside the sight of patriots displaying their ink-stained fingers as proof of having voted, it would have been challenging for an outsider to discern that millions were participating in democratic elections. Life went on as usual, with citizens fulfilling their civic duties and then returning to their daily lives.

Indonesian citizens display their ink-marked fingers after voting. Source: Bagus Indahono / EPA

This prevailing sense of optimism was on full display in Semarang, a city located seven-hour train ride east of Jakarta. Once a vital colonial port under Dutch rule, Semarang continues to boast a thriving port and is actively developing its tourism sector. Efforts to revitalize the city's historic Old Town, preserve its Chinese temples, and foster the growth of surrounding businesses are tangible signs of progress. While some tourist attractions are still undergoing development, much has already been accomplished to attract guests to the city and worldwide visitors are beginning to take note.

Semarang’s Old Town. Where Indonesian, Chinese, and Western cultures meet.

My experiences in Indonesia stood in stark contrast to the conversations I've had with friends and family back in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. Despite meeting only one new Indonesian friend who had previously visited Portland, his candid observation about the homelessness issue in my city echoed sentiments shared by many across the United States.

The plight of Oregon’s largest city is no secret. Even Koin, one of Oregon’s major news stations, is asking whether Portland is over. In 2022, for the first time in recent memory, more people moved out of Oregon than moved in. Portland, Oregon's largest city, is in dire need of comprehensive policy reform. Initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, including the homeless and those grappling with substance abuse, have fallen short in making Portland economically competitive, and a desirable place to live.

Makeshift homes off a sidewalk in Portland, Oregon. Source: OPB

Not long ago, Portland, known to many as the City of Roses, was consistently ranked among the top places to live in the United States. Its proximity to diverse natural landscapes, combined with its affordability and unique cultural identity, contributed to its allure. However, Portland's reputation as a haven for hipsters, artisanal coffee, and vegan cuisine has waned in recent years.

In 2013, The Oregonian reported that Portland made the number one spot in “America’s 10 Best Cities for 2013” according to the real estate blog Movoto.

As a native Oregonian, I am less concerned with Portland regaining its former status as a top-tier city and more focused on ensuring it remains a safe and prosperous home for its residents, present and future. The stark contrast between my observations in Indonesia and the current situation in Oregon underscores the urgent need for change. Indonesia and Vietnam are forging ahead with smart economic development strategies under the guide of pragmatic framework. It is my hope that Portland will heed the lessons of success from these nations and embark on a path toward renewal and progress.

Alexander Parini is an academic, writer, and international relations specialist in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He works as an international relations lecturer and global engagement liaison for the University of Economics and Finance. Alexander is an active member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and the Council of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City Branch).

Previously, he lectured at multiple universities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where he primarily taught international relations classes. Alexander holds a master's degree from SOAS University of London and Peking University. Before moving to Asia, he worked in U.S. politics and studied Political Science at Portland State University.

He is active on both LinkedIn and X (Twitter).