Being a Filipino in Indonesia is quite a
challenge. Especially for first timers who are trying to adjust to the culture
of the country. Anyway, there is no really big difference with the Philippine
culture, but here are the few things you must remember that is very important
when you go to Indonesia.
First, the language, you have to know the
basic conversational skills in Indonesia. It is best to know the numbers first
because you will be using that most of the time in talking with the locals;
like in buying, the transportation fare and even asking for directions. It is
also good that you know the translation of left and right because if you are
asking for directions most of the people are not used to speaking English, so
you really have to know some words too.
Second, the food, you have to get used to
spicy food because whether you like it or not they will serve you food with
lots of chili. You have to be very specific when you say that you only want
less chili, because less for them is still MORE. Better to say no chili or just
put it at the side so it is up to you to put the amount of chili sauce you
like.
Third, crossing the street, in the Philippines
we are used to being left sided in all our road structures. If you notice that
the Filipino drivers are at the left side of the car, but in Indonesia the road
plans are all right sided. You can see that the drivers are at the right side
of the car. I was even wondering before why the cars have no drivers, only to
found out that they are at the right, because we, Filipinos are accustomed that
the drivers are at the left. There are also few pedestrian lanes only, so if
you want to cross the street you have to look for an open space in the middle
of the road; that is the part where you can cross. If you still want to look
for pedestrian lane because you want to feel safe in crossing and you ask the
locals to show it to you, they may not understand you because they call it here
as “zebra line”. In crossing the street also, you should not base everything on
the traffic lights because the traffic lights here are just an option for the
drivers. You know what I mean; they will still drive fast even the traffic
lights are turned red. So what is the use of following the traffic lights? Just
be very careful when you cross the street because most of the drivers don’t
mind.
These are just few tips that I can give you
for the moment. All of these things are from my own experiences. You may have a
different view once you go to Indonesia but this will be very helpful to you
especially on the things you need to consider. Have fun travelling!
