Tom's Notes

By Tom | Travel & Culture

My first stroll through the streets of Malang felt like a déjà vu wrapped in discovery. This Indonesian city, with its friendly locals and laid-back vibe, felt oddly familiar—almost like a cousin of Saigon. From trendy young people in streetwear to big-brand stores I recognized from home, Malang pulses with the spirit of modern Asia.

But just when I thought it was all tech and trendy cafés, the city surprised me.

At a busy street corner, a food cart rolled by, echoing memories of Vietnam from 30–40 years ago. The clang of street vendors, the sizzling of skewers, and the casual sidewalk coffee chats felt like scenes pulled from old songs and stories of my childhood.

Here in Malang, modern life blends seamlessly with nostalgia. You’ll find women in striking traditional costumes dancing in public squares, street bands rocking out with full energy, and traffic flowing—not by signals—but by a natural rhythm coordinated by the people themselves.

I was curious. Why does this kind of street economy still thrive here?

The answer came from a local friend I met after his factory shift. “It’s part of the informal economy,” he said. Simply put, these jobs still provide a solid living. In fact, for many, running a street stall or food cart pays better than a basic salary from a 9-to-5 job.

But it’s more than just money—it’s lifestyle. In East Java, people still love sitting curbside with a hot drink and good conversation. As long as this culture remains, so will the street coffee carts and snack stalls dotting Malang’s sidewalks.

Even today, over 60–70% of locals participate in small-scale, independent businesses. And while I’m no economist, I can clearly see Indonesia’s efforts to preserve these cultural rhythms. The government isn’t rushing to replace these traditions—but instead seems to be nurturing them, giving space for both the old and new to coexist.

Malang shows us that a city doesn’t need to erase its past to move forward. Sometimes, the soul of a place lies in the very things that seem out of sync with the future.

And maybe, just maybe—that’s the magic.

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