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ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Folks:

Have not yet been to Indo, and realize it (Indonesia) is not like Saudi and other places where a conservative approach to Islam is practiced and expected.

What about for teachers in Indo...how much of an issue is it living in a Muslim majority country, and what behaviours or lifestyle adaptations have you found are necessary.....for example if ghost goes running in the streets in shorts and a tank top, how will that be viewed in most places in Indonesia....?

ghost

gugelhupf · Joined: 24 Jan 2004 Posts: 575 Location: Jabotabek

Indonesia is NOT like Saudi in this respect but some areas are much more conservative than others. Bule men in shorts and a tank top won't bat an eyelid in central Jakarta, or for that matter in any very touristy spot just about anywhere. In very conservative areas such as Aceh or W Sumatra people will probably not like it very much but are unlikely to complain to you directly unless you try to go into a mosque, and they may be more touchy during Ramadhan. That's the situation for men at any rate.

Bear in mind that it isn't just a muslim thing here, and turning up casually attired to a posh function or even on business at a government office would be considered very disrespectful. Shorts and sandals are banned in many Indonesian consulates overseas, for example.

I lived for a while in conservative W Sumatra and had no problems except for obtaining lunch during Ramadhan. I have always found that showing a little respect gets the same back.

laughing_magpie06 · Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 282

For the most part people here are no more conservative than the average christian in a western country. If anything, in Indo it is the christians who follow their religion more closely. I can go shopping locally with just a pair of shorts and sandals. And I think I would offend more people in my own country by doing that.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

In all posts, this "ghost" refers to itself/himself/herself as it, one, or ghost. Never he or she. I wonder if gender assignment has not yet taken place. Rolling Eyes

Indonesians have various words for such creatures: waria, banci, and wadam come to mind. But not hantu (= "ghost").

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:51 pm Post subject: bye-bye

Two postings deleted for containing personal insults. If it keeps up, this thread goes bye-bye and some members get an unpaid temporary or permanent vacation.

happy_me · Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 6:01 am Post subject:

It's a sad sad thing when Teachers need to be moderated.

Living here is not a ? of religion, but one of can you adopt to life in a place that has not what you are use to, by that I mean be tolerant of others life, let them live it at they see fit without judging or trying to change them, not wanting life to be as you want it, but as it is! remembering that what you do at home may not be right here and may even hurt others.

That will be a start

jaganath69 · Joined: 05 Aug 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Korea

As long as you don't start banging out the tunes in front of a Masjid and swilling scotch and feasting on babi bakar at the same time you should be fine. Knowing how to avoid offense is three quarters of the battle most times.

TEAM_PAPUA · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 1679 Location: HOLE

YO HO HO!!!

happy_me · Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 8:41 pm Post subject:

Papua, I knew you were that kind of guy, but trust me they will like you better if you come with a bottle of Topi Miring!!

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Ghost likes to relax at the end of the day with a nice cool bottle of beer....how easy is it to obtain beer in Indonesia, and if it is available should you restrict drinking to the privacy of your home, or is it "accepted" to drink in public as a foreigner, and Indonesian for that matter?

In Turkey, ghost noticed that beer was very popular with many Turks, and many national sports events were sponsored by the Turkish National brand - Pilsen......what is the situation in Indonesia for expat beer drinkers?

ghost

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

It's extremely easy to buy beer throughout the day and night. The most economic approach is to buy in bulk at a large supermarket such as Carrefour. Although, you'll only pay about 10c a can extra at a warung or convenience store. The only time it may be more difficult to buy alcohol is during ramadan. The large supermarkets and some dduty free stores will still stock it though.

As for drinking in public, generally beer is no problem. Spirits on the other hand is more strongly frowned upon. A lot of it would also have to do with the approach. If you're quietly keeping to yourself, offense will be kept to a minimum.

xsbir · Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 81 Location: The Big Durian

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

I should have noted my reply was relevant to Jakarta specifically. Relative to Jakarta, Bali is less conservative and everywhere else more so.

beefer · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 238 Location: java

stagger down the street in jakarta with beer in hand and you'll get snickers and a few strange looks
stagger down the street in medan with beer in hand and you'll probably get 10-20 lashings.

i agree totally with the others comments that it all depends on where you are in the country

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

The situation in Indonesia is tricky, because, going by the info. provided, there is a large variation in cultural expectations with regard to beer drinking in the different areas of Indonesia.....however, it seems clear that in areas where Islam is held seriously, one should refrain from imbibing..

In the Philippines, ghost found that the vast majority of Filipinos loved their beer.....but down in the Zamboanga area of the Philippines, largely Muslim .....foreigners might have problems there with some of the locals..

How about in Surabaya and the surrounding areas?

ghost