Don't believe economy's booming? Go to the airport!

One of the perks (or burden to some) of being part of Indonesia's hottest industry is that travelling is part of the game, as there's no Coal mine in Java, so one has to fly to visit mine sites.

Early morning to Soekarno Hatta is an amazing experience. The sky's still dark and most of Jakarta's still asleep, even the roosters are still warming up their vocal chords before waking people up, but here the 8 lane toll road is packed with cars. Early morning traffic jam to the airport is part of jet warriors' rituals.

Most people in these cars are back asleep or at least still hazy from having to wake up at 4am. Some are nervous of missing their flight. Some are fuming in road rage. Some are lost in the thought of loved ones and some are simply lost.

But if one take the opportunity to ponder in midst of the chaotic dance of cars that the jam is, one shall find questions, what are these people doing? Where are they going? What is the significance of these daily early morning madness?

Why some of my friends need a private jet…

To say coal in Indonesia is a booming business is an understatement. Some coal players become rich, some even become extremely rich, while some lucky ones become stinking filthy rich (“SFR”).

The extremely opulent live the life of the riches, with all the toys and privileges including private jets travels. If you’re an SFR, rich beyond belief, why should you and your family travel cramped with us mere mortals, herded thru crowded airports like sheep?

But is that what private jet is all about? A toy and a status symbol for the SFRs? Or even an over indulgence and a waste of money? If that is the case, then do some of my friend actually need a private jet?

Cessna Citation Mustang