Why extra price?<\/p>\n
Having happily lived in Jakarta since March, 1994, I have
\nbecome accustomed to the "special treatment" that I am given by
\nlocal residents. Even when this "special treatment" entails
\npaying a higher price for goods and services I don't complain or
\ngripe. I understand that my monthly wage, although being very
\nmodest by expatriate standards, is nevertheless more than many
\nIndonesians could hope to earn in a year. Consequently I expect
\nto often pay a little extra.<\/p>\n
However, there comes a time when I draw the line and dig my
\nheels in over being made to pay more.<\/p>\n
The other night I went to a movie at Pondok Indah Mall,
\nsomething I enjoy. Before going in to the movie I bought a Green
\nSands drink, some popcorn and some cheap chocolates. I asked how
\nmuch this would come to. "5,100 rupiah," I was politely
\ninformed. Unquestioningly I handed over the money. "That's
\nfunny," my partner said, "it always seems to come out to 5,000
\nrupiah no matter what we buy!"<\/p>\n
Suddenly I realized that my partner was right. The previous
\nweek I'd bought two drinks, etc, etc, and it had come to
\napproximately 5,000 rupiah as well.<\/p>\n
When my polite attendant returned I asked how much each
\nindividual item cost. He actually blushed and started to mumble.
\nBy the end of the conversation I was able to decipher that, oops,
\nhe had made a mistake and, goodness gracious me, so sorry, I
\nshould have only paid 4,000 rupiah!<\/p>\n
The amount in question is small, I know, but it is the
\nprincipal of the matter that bothers me. I go to the cinema as an
\nequal. Everyone pays a standard entrance cost and everyone
\nshould pay the same for their refreshments. How many times does
\nthis happen? It all adds up...<\/p>\n
L. MORONEY<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/why-extra-price-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }