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