Indonesia in the eyes of the world, known for their friendliness. Many people judge Indonesian people like to smile. Sometimes foreigners, especially westerners, will see something strange about this, and that is something impressive.
However, there are some Indonesian customs that are not exemplary. It's not about bad habits or good habits, but a habit that has shaped a culture and is believed to be unusual. What are they? We summarize at least as below!
Eating noodles with forks
If in other Asian countries using chopsticks to eat noodles, it is in general in Indonesia people will use a fork to eat noodles.
Some people may still use chopsticks to eat noodles, but some will have trouble scooping noodles with chopsticks. This is very reasonable, since chopsticks are sometimes not provided in coffee shops (warkop) that provide Indomie (the most famous instant noodles in Indonesia).
Therefore, the Indonesian people, especially the older generation, objected to the presence of chopsticks for the purposes of eating noodles. Better use the spoon!
Sleeping using bolsters
Even most hotels do not provide bolsters. Yes, it is because only Indonesian people who used to sleep with bolsters.
Guling for Indonesians is a sleeping package. Pillows and bolsters into one part of the package to be able to sleep comfortably. Indonesians are uncomfortable if they do not hold something in their arms while they are sleeping. Moreover, people who do not have a partner to sleep.
Fortunately, bolsters are present in the Indonesian market.
Free biker on the go without a helmet
Police are considered one eye in Indonesian society. Because they are responsible for managing urban traffic safety. For that, helmets are recommended for bikers. Regardless of the rules, because it is for safety.
Surprisingly, this is not regarded by the people of Indonesia. Because, already used to break the rules, so safety is ruled out. Though already a lot of accidents because of this trivial thing.
Especially if it is driving without a helmet, there are two passengers behind. Fortunately, in the housing there is no police!
There is retail gasoline by the side of the road and using a bottle of coca cola
Not to mention talking about self-service, in Indonesia fill gasoline vehicles are still available on the roadside. This can be said as a side business.
Many riders, especially motorcyclists, who have run out of gas before they arrive at Gas Station. If this is true, retail gasoline retailers on the sidewalks are very useful.
Always sold at a price that is more expensive than the official price of gas stations. However, it still exists everywhere and is not viewed as illegal. For the seller, this is a challenge.
Most surprising, why is the gas always placed in a bottle of coca cola?
Bribery at the traffic police
It's not meant to stab a police institution, but this is really often seen.
Bribery does seem common, but in different conditions. Commonplace if done behind the scenes. But if you look blatantly on the side of the road, it makes foreigners amazed.
This impressed the engineering of related parties who seemed to be punishing an undisciplined motorist. But, how else, "for the sake of losing a bigger fine, better paid on the spot".
Source: Tribun Travel, IDN Times