'Krismon' forces change in habits

The prolonged monetary crisis (krismon) has forced people from all walks of life both in big cities and quiet villages to change their lifestyles. Even those who are normally thrifty need to take extreme care. Others who are in the habit of throwing money around are finding the lengthy monetary crisis a priceless time for introspection. The Jakarta Post's K. Basrie, Yogita Tahil Ramani and Imanuddin talk to people about their personal experiences in dealing with this tough time. Below is their report.

JAKARTA (JP): In the midst of such grave hardship, those who habitually save for a rainy day might be able to step ahead naturally without any aches or pains.

But the political uncertainties and the seemingly endless financial crisis in the country leave gaping questions for all: When will this "rainy" season end? Will our savings last?

Considered the worst ever monetary crisis, the krismon suddenly turned the world of many people upside down, and it is showing no signs of lessening its grip on people's lives.

Many predict that it will become even bleaker in the next few weeks as festive days, such as Ramadhan, Christmas, New Year and Idul Fitri, approach.

For months, many people have tried to be as economical as possible in order to survive.

No more imported perfume or imported cosmetics, top-class apparel or regular visits to beauty salons, private doctors, discotheques, cafes or restaurants.

There is no more valid reason to take a first-class trip or to go for an expensive holiday.

This astounding phenomenon has been generated by the long- standing problems casting a shadow on the way of life for most Indonesians.

The weakening rupiah, the escalating prices of local goods and services, the scant business opportunities and sluggish buying power have pushed people, especially those in big cities, to drastically change their consumptive attitude.

"It's time to reform the way we (my family) spend money," commented Ari Sudarsono, a noted television sports host.

The unfriendly financial situation has also forced his family to extremely cut down on their spending.

Ari himself has stopped treating friends and spending money in cafes. "It's totally over!"

He has also stopped using premix gasoline in his car. At Rp 1,000 a liter for premium, he is saving Rp 300 a liter by using the leaded variety.

He has also asked his family to make do with the clothes they have instead of buying new ones.

"We have to slowly learn how not to get bored using the same old clothes," Ari said.

"We now use body sprays instead of perfume. So, if you don't like my odor, so please go away," he said.

Political analyst Arbi Sanit is also on the same track.

"I have completely stopped all unnecessary monthly expenditures, such as those for recreation, cinema and video rentals," he said.

His family also has learned to lessen their monthly spending by consuming cheaper food.

"We used to have rojo lele (considerably the most luxurious rice) at home. But, not anymore. We eat cheaper rice," Arbi said.

"We consume lower quality meals, but maintain the same portions," he added, laughing.

A lecturer at the University of Indonesia's School of Social and Political Sciences, he buys less books.

"I'll buy books only if they are thin and cheap, but I'll have them photo copied if they are thick and expensive," he said.

According to the World Bank country director for Indonesia, Dennis de Tray, the krismon has hit the emerging middle class the hardest, with average household expenditure in urban areas declining by more than 30 percent.

It "is mainly an urban and Java phenomenon", de Tray said at the recent Indonesia Forum here.

Pop singer Yana Julio used to treat friends to dinner, spending hundreds of thousands of rupiah. Now he considers it a "useless" pastime.

"Now I dine at home. Sometimes, I call my friends to join me for meals," Yana said.

In terms of clothing, Yana, a fanatic of branded garments, is learning to cope with his tighter budget.

"All I do now is take my old clothes, go to a really great tailor and have them altered," he said.

Rima Melati, a legendary actress currently in Bali on business, said the krismon had altered her taste in shoes from Swiss made Bally shoes to locally made shoes, something she had never bought before.

"Today, I buy local shoes, something I would never consider before," she said.

The krismon also taught many fathers for the first time in their lives about the prices of household items.

"As a man, I never knew the price of, for example, rice or tissue paper, until I learned that my family spent a lot on those things," commented bodyguard to celebrities Erby.

He said the situation had also separated him from his friends as he could no longer afford move in the same circles.

"It's really bad. But I have no choice. This unfriendly atmosphere has forced me to radically change my lifestyle," he said.

For Dian Syarif, an executive of Bank Bali, the crisis has forced her to temporarily stop eating out.

The hardship has also made her put on hold any spending on cosmetics.

"At the moment, I just use my remaining stock, hoping that the crisis will end soon," she said.

Dewi Widiyanti, PR manger at Hilton Hotel, has drastically cut her expenditure on many items, from cosmetics to entertainment to cellular phone usage.

"The main problem for me is toiletries, such as shampoo and cosmetics as their prices have risen three to four times," she said.

Her other efficiency measures include cutting back on visits to cafes or coffee shops and holidays.

Lulu Dewayanti, a model and co-owner of Look Models. Inc., has taken the same road.

For her, there is no more bills for cafes, discotheques and Armani, Valentino and Dolce Gabbana clothes.

"I used to go to discos like Zanzibar on weekends, but not anymore," Lulu said.

And she has started buying cheaper clothes.

"If it looks good and costs, say, Rp 60,000 a piece, I'll buy it," she said.

Senior film and stage actor Didi Petet said he had to ask for the understanding of his five children, who love wearing clothes available at a particular shop in Kuta, Bali, which charges in U.S. dollars.

"I told my kids, please do not expect clothes from that shop again since the prices have risen 400 percent.

"I told them that I would buy them clothes from that shop only when the dollar reaches Rp 5,000," Didi said.

A recent survey conducted by four local institutions revealed that more than two-thirds of Indonesians have stopped spending money on imported fruit, cheese, soft drinks and magazines, fast food restaurants, cinema tickets and beauty treatments.

The survey published in July's issue of Cakram advertising magazine also stated that about half of the people now opt to watch TV at home. Many have also turned to God.

That is why many see the ailing condition as a new lease on life.

Ari said: "My family and I have learned a lot from the crisis. Realize it or not, I think God wants to teach a lesson to the people."

Lulu says she has finally learned to save for a rainy day.

What about those who benefit during the crisis by being paid in U.S. dollars?

"It teaches me for the first time how to share our wealth with the poor. For example, I never thought of donating sembako (basic commodities) to others until this crisis," furniture exporter Yati Meliala Coopers said.

Anyway, there must be light at the end of the tunnel. At the moment, let's see it through with kindness in our hearts. (team)