Get familiar with neighborhood
Space limits me only to respond to Mr. Ross Gulliver's letter (Aug. 3, 1995) for now. Perhaps on another occasion I may be allowed to comment on the usage of the term bule as defined by another writer.
Mr. Gulliver, we Indonesians appreciate the absence of generalizations about this country and its people, and I like the fact that you decided on a more conciliatory tone, in your second letter. On behalf of all sensible Indonesians, may I apologize for the rudeness of those roguish, callow, perhaps frustrated youths you encountered while out walking with your wife.
I do not know how long you have lived here, but I suggest that you learn to avoid some areas in the big city, like all urban residents would anywhere. If this is difficult, you might consider moving to a friendlier neighborhood. Learn at least rudimentary Indonesian. It might be helpful if you could joke and banter with locals. It may that all the hostile strangers crave is attention. If you make the effort, talk to them and not act too "foreign;" after a while "strangers" will get used to you as a couple. They seem curious about you, so why not develop some curiosity about them? You can even joke about sex, if you like, and keep it friendly. Do not assume that all Indonesians are inherently hostile to you.
Racism can exist anywhere and is not necessarily directed at Westerners in Indonesia. I spent three months in Perth, Australia in 1987, and while walking down a suburban neighborhood, a woman in a passing car shouted "Go home!" out her window at me. It was solely the color of my skin that rankled her, as I don't look too much different from other human beings. I could also not fail to notice the large, printed "Asians Out!" signs on every fifth lamppost down a main highway in Western Australia. They were fastened there by a group called the Australian Nationalists. Nevertheless I harbor no ill feelings towards Australia or Australians. For every racist, I could always find a more broad-minded person.
I am sure if there were large "Australians Out!" signs in the popular tourist destinations of Bangkok or Bali, the local authorities would take them down. Call it lack of "free speech" here, but the Asian approach to avoid conflict would be the better one in this case.
Education and more contact all around the world will help people understand each other more. Mr. Gulliver, with little more stoicism, perhaps a thicker skin, cultural tolerance, and even a sense of humor, you and your wife will make it here.
FARID BASKORO
Jakarta