A matter of politeness

A matter of politeness

From Kompas

I am studying in Germany. I am spending my summer holiday in Indonesia together with my German boyfriend and his mother. The first day I was at home I already had an unpleasant and annoying experience. We drove our car and when we stopped at the traffic lights at Grogol crossroads, two young girls pointed their fingers at my German friend and laughed wildly.

On another occasion when we ate at KFC Citraland Mall, four youngsters (three girls and one boy), sat next to our table. Out of his curiosity my friend turned his head and had a glance at the youngsters. One of the girls stared at him making a funny gesture with her lips apparently meant to make a fool of him, while the other members of the group laughed heartily.

Then I was wondering whether the Indonesian people's attitude had changed. What a shame! I was writing this letter not to defend my boyfriend. But I myself was a foreigner in Germany. Never ever a single person did such a shameful thing to me. My boyfriend always protects me and his mother often helps me. I could not help wondering how the people's friendliness and politeness had eroded.

Name and address

withheld