I've been flown to Jakarta to see a major exhibition of Japanese superstar artist Yayoi Kusama, and a few things stand out while moving through the city's crowded streets.

Amid clusters of dilapidated tin-roofed buildings are prominent signs of a boom town. The skyline looks like an architect's playground, punctuated by a helter-skelter mix of futuristic high rises.

Constant reminders of the upcoming Asian Games are everywhere — at the airport, along the highway, on the temporary walls of the many construction sites. Indonesia is clearly proud to be hosting the Asiad in August, for the first time since 1962.