Comparing living conditions

Compare the living conditions in your suburb in Sydney with what you know about kampung life in Indonesia. You should write this section in English in the same blog page (Max. 200 words).

I live in a middle-class suburb on a quiet street near the train station and all the houses are modern. My house is very Western compared to the kampung in Indonesia. I am surrounded by modern luxuries that can only be seen by the people in the kampung.

I have the use of running water, electricity and gas. These are three things that I take for granted because all my life, I have had access to these three essential things. I have a comfortable bed to sleep on every night. I also have a computer that I can use whenever I want to. I can also listen to the radio and watch the television whenever I want to. Whenever I am in the kitchen, I am guaranteened that there is food available for me. I can shower every day and I have access to good modern toilet facilities. Every day, I take the train to university where I am educated daily, sometimes I also take the bus. I wear clean clothes and shoes that fit me. I live a relatively carefree lifestyle in a much cleaner environment and a house that is enormous compared to the little shanties in a kampung.

My life is completely opposite and different to a person who lives in a kampung in Indonesia such as Gempol. He lives in a kampung, his home is for the poorest and most disadvantaged people. Every day, his life is about making enough money so he can contribute a little to his family. He cannot afford to go to school. His day begins at dawn and he is already working hard before I am out of bed.

In Sydney, we take it for granted that most 'civilised' people around us are clothed appropriately and we don't walk around barefoot unless we're relaxed or at the beach. The people live in extreme poverty with no proper housing with no sanitation and no modern facilities. Kampung dwellers are more concerned about their housing insecurity than low income. I cannot understand their insecurity because I know my house will still be there when I come home every day. Kampung dwellers are better acquainted with their neighbours and there is a strong sense of harmony and community. In the urban suburbs, we are not so neigbourly and friendly towards each other.