There's no such thing as a free lunch...Or is there?
It's official. The next president of Indonesia is former army general Prabowo Subianto. Quite how the next five years will pan out is anyone's guess but hopefully the foreign pundits who always bring up his dodgy human rights record will be proven wrong. Nonetheless, on policy making, Prabowo's popularist move to literally offer the poor 'a free lunch' every day of the week does not augur well for the future. Such a policy - if it ever came to fruition - would cost a phenomenal amount of money and likely lead to huge inefficiencies (food waste) and poor incentives (make people lazy). Another concern is Prabowo's strong nationalist bent. Thus, in the possible event that he finds himself with his back against the proverbial wall in the face of stern economic challenges, there is a big chance that he will simply scapegoat foreigners. But he will have to be careful. Construction of the new capital city, Nusantara, for example, is highly dependent on foreign in
No i wouldn't dream of talking about corruption to an official..i'd probably just suck up to him more.He'l feel like a million dollars by the time i'm thorugh.
ReplyDeleteYeah i think they'd probably stone me if i said i thought God was evil.My parent's friends were Ahmadiah's i liked them they invite me to eat pork at their house.And for the record it tasted better then the pastor's wife's pork.
I don't know about using coins to remove facial hair?But yeah my mother usually gets so upset when i yawn in public.???.Like wtf?Like does your bank account decrease every time i yawn..sheesh relax.
I'm always punctual.(unfortunately).
I studied in south america so..it's pretty weird coz everybody puts their hands on their hips and waves their hands and talk so loud and carefree...In Indonesia..haha..big no no.
No i don't believe in public display of affection.Call me old fashioned.
lol..pretty true about being polite with rude people..i have perfected my fake smile i should be running for politics.
When i pick up the phone i let the person on the other end do all the talking until they are passed hello.which usually takes a good 2 minutes.
Yeah i always dress like a peasant.First of all i can't be bothered to look well off and second I enjoy people judging me.They usually don't know what's coming until i open my mouth.
I only look revealing at parties and that's if i can make it passed the Ketua RT drinking coffee right in front of my house.
don't worry about being punctual, Papuan Girl!
ReplyDeleteHow about eating and smoking, using mobile phones in the cinema cleaning plates and cutlery in all restaurants but especially Chillis (it annoys them).
ReplyDeleteFinally get an ipad and then play plants vs zombies on walking around malls and in elevators.
I practically a Jakartan...aduh!
In a steakhouse, cut carefully the side of your bun with knife (don't break it with hand), and spread the butter evenly (got to be even!). Then don't just grab it and shovel it to your mouth, too impolite. Cut a little piece of the bun with the knife, as the other hand is holding the bun down with the fork. Then use the fork to pick up the little piece to your mouth. Indonesians think this is how westerners eat their bun at steakhouses!
ReplyDeleteIf you mind somebody smoking beside you, a sharp glare from your eyes is definitely not enough. Forget fighting it.
About religion, in addition to above, there are only valid/official 5 religions: islam, catholic, protestant, buddhist, hindu. Don't try to tell them you are shinto or Jew, won't work.
You've forgot something essential man: Never play Kangen Band's songs in public areas. Haha! i reckon you've understood what the term 'alay' means, haven't you?
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Every country has its quirks. And as for expats - well they're the wackiest!
ReplyDeletehttp://bit.ly/hyz4vy
"Don’t use sarcasm."
ReplyDeleteBest advice on this page I should say. Quoting what a person once said on Twitter (forgot who, sorry), "Sarcasm is completely lost on many Indonesians." And it really is. Make one sarcastic joke in front of people you don't know too well and you'll be regarded as rude and disrespectful.
Unfortunately I'm Indonesian, and I like sarcasm :(
LOL.. very good article, and very nice blog overall.. I like your sense of humor mate!
ReplyDeleteManners maketh man.
ReplyDeleteYou covered many points right from coughing to sarcasm. Great :)
ReplyDeleteIt will make my work easier while communicating with Indonesian businesses on IndiaBizClub.com