Benefits gained in Indonesia<\/p>\n
I have been fortunate to have worked in Indonesia on various
\nindustrial-related projects since 1973, following in the
\nfootsteps of my late father who came out here in the early 1960s
\nto assist in the country's industrial development. During our
\ntime we both came to love Indonesia and became entranced by its
\ncharms and mysteries.<\/p>\n
However, regardless of the fact that others may think that an
\nexpatriate lives the life of Riley, whoever he might be, he or
\nshe is usually engaged on a contract for a specific purpose. In
\norder to perform to the high expectations of the paymasters, the
\nexpatriate must be focused, objective oriented, keeping a strict
\neye on time constraints and budget limitations. A troubleshooter
\nis expected to get to grips with his tasks and tackle problems
\nthe moment he arrives, with very little time for niceties, let
\nalone understanding the customs and courtesies of the Indonesian
\npeople.<\/p>\n
During my early years here I was totally absorbed by the task
\nin hand. The drive for objectivity, maximum efficiency and
\nmeeting goals at that time was far more important than the human
\nelement. No allowance was made for the differences in my culture
\nand work ethic and that of my Indonesian coworkers and
\ncounterparts -- the national character and \"Indonesian way\" of
\nconducting business was an enigma to me.<\/p>\n
I always take pride in the fact that I leave a client
\nsatisfied as to my input and that the staff have acquired hands-
\non experience to undertake future troubleshooting tasks without
\nmy support. However, in retrospect, it is I who am the
\nbeneficiary from my current four-year assignment here.<\/p>\n
During these past four years I have gained a fraction of an
\ninsight into the Javanese way of looking at problems and their
\nway of coming to terms with them. I have learned to be patient
\nwith others and have come to understand their feelings,
\nsensitivity and needs and the impact on those around me of overly
\ndirect impulsive speaking. I have even partly come to terms with
\nlost moments and opportunities caused by \"rubber time\".<\/p>\n
In their haste and push and shove toward attaining more and
\nmore material gain, those in the West could learn a lot from the
\nJavanese way of life -- by treating others as they would like to
\nbe treated; to avoid confrontation at all costs and to respect
\nothers and the space around them; hence, essential attributes on
\nsuch a crowded island as this.<\/p>\n
My advice to expatriates who have recently arrived in
\nIndonesia is to take time to understand the local customs and
\nmannerisms of the Indonesians -- learn from them and above all be
\npatient. With forethought, patience, understanding and
\nsensitivity toward others, your time out here will be most
\nenjoyable and rewarding.<\/p>\n
Upon leaving Indonesia I shall be taking with me the most
\nvaluable thing of all which I acquired here. It is easily
\ntransportable and nontaxable -- the lessons learned on how to
\nlive and work with others and enjoy and respect them all.<\/p>\n
I.T. GORDON-PULLAR<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/benefits-gained-in-indonesia-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }