Dealing with Indonesians<\/p>\n
It has been interesting to read replies to Mr McLaughlin's
\nletter complaining about the way he was treated by his neighbor.
\nPerhaps a few pieces of advice and cultural knowledge might help
\nhim to tolerate life in Indonesia a little more. One important
\npoint first; Jakarta is not a reflection of the nation. It's the
\ncapital of it.<\/p>\n
* Not all Indonesians are friendly (as you have been ill-
\ninformed by subsequent letters). There are good and bad, kind and
\ncruel, friendly and unfriendly in any country you wish to name.
\nJust look in any country's tourist brochures. Indonesia is not
\nthe only country to claim it has the friendliest people; all do!<\/p>\n
Yes, there are, naturally, millions of Indonesians who are
\nfriendly, considerate etc., but if you possess a smattering of
\nBahasa Indonesian, in Jakarta you'll know Hey! Bule said in a
\nloud, threatening tone is certainly not a friendly greeting -- Nor
\nis Sapi lu! (you cow!) when you are crossing a road (which was
\nscreamed at me not long ago). Gembel lu! is referring to the
\nscruffy way you might be dressed and ngeres lu! refers to the
\ndirty thoughts you (yes...you!) might be having when looking at
\none of the young ladies here.<\/p>\n
There are a lot more, believe me! However, I'd suggest that
\nyou accept these comments as a risk you have to absorb while
\nyou're here. Being Indian or Pakistani in London you might not
\njust be verbally abused but also beaten up in the process and
\nthat's for simply having a different color skin. Just think about
\nhow much worse it could be here Mr McLaughlin.<\/p>\n
* Next time you need a taxi, hail one down, knock on the
\nwindow and ask where he (yes...he!) is going before you get in.
\nHe may not be going your way. And don't get angry if he isn't
\nbecause he is too busy trying to find someone who is going his
\nway (even though he only has a one-in-four chance). But consider
\nthis, where else could you hail for a taxi on a toll road?<\/p>\n
* Indonesians are extremely sociable people (much to their
\nmerit) and are not used to being ignored, as we often are. So,
\nplease volunteer conversation, especially if you work in an
\noffice. If you ignore someone here, it is interpreted as a sign
\nof hatred, not apathy as is often the way it is interpreted in
\nthe west. Complain if you wish but don't go off your head.<\/p>\n
* Apologizing can often be interpreted here as a sign of
\nweakness (not strength, as we are used to). To apologize is often
\ndifficult, but should you decide to do so, two things are worth
\nremembering. Firstly, the feeling the other person might have
\n(though not expressed) is Tuh! kan?, roughly translated as \"See?
\nI told you, didn't I?\" Secondly, what you apologized for will
\nprobably be referred to again in the future, when it suits that
\nperson's purpose (i.e. a hidden weapon for future use).<\/p>\n
Of course, there are more but I shan't go on. Suffice to say
\nthat I think you should adopt a more culturally sensitive
\napproach and try to enjoy such a varied yet unified nation and
\nits population. We all have problems, whether it's here or in our
\nown countries. So, next time your neighbors tip their garbage in
\nyour front yard, pop your head out of your front door and say
\nTerima kasih and don't forget to smile. After all, if you don't,
\nthe last laugh might be on you (yes...you!) Mr McLaughlin.<\/p>\n
Indonesians didn't need immigration to kick out the Dutch and
\nneither do they need immigration to encourage us to leave. The
\npeople themselves can do that job quite effectively. If you make
\ntheir lives miserable, they'll certainly reciprocate.<\/p>\n
Name and address<\/p>\n
withheld<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dealing-with-indonesians-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }