Batu Putih Village - North Sulawesi
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Phil Brain, Manado & Jakarta. The Village of Batu Putih is located at the Northern tip of the Island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. It is approximately 1.5 km. from our beach property "Volcano Beach". Geographical location is approxmately 1 degree North Latitude and 124 degrees East Longitude. The population of the Village is approximately 1000 but, like anywhere in Indonesia this is based upon an educated guess. Like everywhere in North Sulawesi, Volcanos have made a tremendous impact. The beach is black volcanic sand and the soil is extremely fertile. The primary source of income in the village is fishing, in the most traditional sense. Coconut production and processing provides employment for some.
There is also a very small amount of agricultural production, other than coconuts. Also, a small tourist industry related to the Tangkoko National Game preserve located adjacent to the village. A few small "Homestays" including "Mama Roos", "Tangkoko Ranger" and "Tarsius" provide basic food and lodging. Tangkoko Park contains many interesting types of birds and monkeys including the "Tarsius", the worlds smallest monkey.
By Western standards the vast majority of these people would be considered extremely poor. However, there are many ways to define what "poor" actually means. In many ways I perceive these people to be quite rich. The population of the village is approximately 95% Christian with a small minority of Muslims. There is no Hospital, Clinic or for that matter, Police in the village. The schools are minimally equipped, at best. Being located very close to the Equator the climate is beautifully Tropical. There are basically two seasons --hot and wet and hot and dry. The wet, or rainy season begins approximately in November and continues until approximately April. During the rainy season ocean waves and swells increase dramatically and consistently. Humidity also increases and runs in the 80-100%rh range. I would not consider the rains to be monsoon type but do, on occasion, continue for a number of days.
During dry season between approximately May and November, seas are generally calm, rain is sparse and the humidity drops consistently to 40-60%rh level. Temepratures remain the same 365 days a year. Highs around 33, lows around 27. The people of the Village are wonderfully warm and open. I would estimate the average monthly income to be in the 15-30USD per month range for those who actually work but, unemployment is extremely high. I would estimate 40% or more are unemployed. From what I can see, people are extremely happy. Electricity is available however, it is often off for periods of up to 10 days and total "up" time is probably approximately 50%. I don't think that there is even one air conditioning unit in the village and heat is obviously not required.
TV's are few and far between, they are often viewed in groups at local Warung's (small stores). I travel through the village on every trip to and from Volcano Beach and have come to know many of the villagers. I'm also recognized often as I am the only "Bule" (Foreigner) whom they see on a regular basis. In some small way I would like to help the village. Possibly through establishing a Clinic and helping get some textbooks for the schools. ---It's a wonderful place.
By Western standards the vast majority of these people would be considered extremely poor. However, there are many ways to define what "poor" actually means. In many ways I perceive these people to be quite rich. The population of the village is approximately 95% Christian with a small minority of Muslims. There is no Hospital, Clinic or for that matter, Police in the village. The schools are minimally equipped, at best. Being located very close to the Equator the climate is beautifully Tropical. There are basically two seasons --hot and wet and hot and dry. The wet, or rainy season begins approximately in November and continues until approximately April. During the rainy season ocean waves and swells increase dramatically and consistently. Humidity also increases and runs in the 80-100%rh range. I would not consider the rains to be monsoon type but do, on occasion, continue for a number of days.
During dry season between approximately May and November, seas are generally calm, rain is sparse and the humidity drops consistently to 40-60%rh level. Temepratures remain the same 365 days a year. Highs around 33, lows around 27. The people of the Village are wonderfully warm and open. I would estimate the average monthly income to be in the 15-30USD per month range for those who actually work but, unemployment is extremely high. I would estimate 40% or more are unemployed. From what I can see, people are extremely happy. Electricity is available however, it is often off for periods of up to 10 days and total "up" time is probably approximately 50%. I don't think that there is even one air conditioning unit in the village and heat is obviously not required.
TV's are few and far between, they are often viewed in groups at local Warung's (small stores). I travel through the village on every trip to and from Volcano Beach and have come to know many of the villagers. I'm also recognized often as I am the only "Bule" (Foreigner) whom they see on a regular basis. In some small way I would like to help the village. Possibly through establishing a Clinic and helping get some textbooks for the schools. ---It's a wonderful place.
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