Why extra price?

Why extra price?

Having happily lived in Jakarta since March, 1994, I have
become accustomed to the "special treatment" that I am given by
local residents. Even when this "special treatment" entails
paying a higher price for goods and services I don't complain or
gripe. I understand that my monthly wage, although being very
modest by expatriate standards, is nevertheless more than many
Indonesians could hope to earn in a year. Consequently I expect
to often pay a little extra.

However, there comes a time when I draw the line and dig my
heels in over being made to pay more.

The other night I went to a movie at Pondok Indah Mall,
something I enjoy. Before going in to the movie I bought a Green
Sands drink, some popcorn and some cheap chocolates. I asked how
much this would come to. "5,100 rupiah," I was politely
informed. Unquestioningly I handed over the money. "That's
funny," my partner said, "it always seems to come out to 5,000
rupiah no matter what we buy!"

Suddenly I realized that my partner was right. The previous
week I'd bought two drinks, etc, etc, and it had come to
approximately 5,000 rupiah as well.

When my polite attendant returned I asked how much each
individual item cost. He actually blushed and started to mumble.
By the end of the conversation I was able to decipher that, oops,
he had made a mistake and, goodness gracious me, so sorry, I
should have only paid 4,000 rupiah!

The amount in question is small, I know, but it is the
principal of the matter that bothers me. I go to the cinema as an
equal. Everyone pays a standard entrance cost and everyone
should pay the same for their refreshments. How many times does
this happen? It all adds up...

L. MORONEY

Jakarta