Show some decency!

Show some decency!

A few days ago, I witnessed an incident of how one of us
foreigners shamefully treated one of our Indonesian hosts in this
country.

On Saturday Nov. 28, at 1:30 p.m., Pondok Indah Mall was quite
crowded when we entered from the southern gate. Parking was
difficult and the mall security guards were trying to do their
best to organize the busy traffic. A foreign man behind the wheel
of a black Cherokee was leaving, while two cars blocked his way
in trying to get into the empty parking spot. It took a few
minutes before the security personnel managed to clear the way
for the Cherokee to exit. The driver, however, seemed to be
furious over the delay in trying to exit the parking area.

Suddenly, he stepped out of his car, violently pushed the
guard out of the way and quickly jumped into his car to drive off
at great speed.

This foreigner seemed to forget that he is a guest here and,
like many of us, has a lot to be grateful for in this country.
The least he could do is show some decency and kindness to its
people. Otherwise, he should take the first plane back home,
Indonesia and the rest of us can do without the likes of him.

MAHA BODEMAR

Jakarta