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When the going gets tough, just have fun!
We understand what democracy is about, we know our rights, we have people power, we are strong and resilient, we are logical, we are not afraid to question our religious practices, or to criticize and confront our politicians, legislators and leaders and demand that they do their job, as mandated to them. And we know how to have fun. What’s not to like about being Indonesian?
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Different kind of fishing: Residents of Kota Bambu in West Jakarta take advantage of the Ciliwung River's high water levels to collect floating goods to use or sell. (JP/Dionnasius Aditya)
A
s the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. We Indonesians put our own spin on it: “When the going gets tough, enjoy aja” (just enjoy!).
The recent floods in Greater Jakarta have certainly been hard on residents who have been displaced, lost their personal belongings and homes, and a tragedy for those who lost family members to the floods.
But instead of drowning in sorrow, people have also found ways to have fun. Disregarding the dangers of the disease- and dirt-laden waters, as well of the cobras and pythons coming up for air, the flooded areas became an instant swimming pool for kids.
Others used these instant ponds to fish. One video showed a man in red shorts diving into his water-logged terrace, sliding back and forth from one end of the terrace to the other, using his bare paunch as cushioning. What fun!
Indeed, Indonesians are often described as being “friendly, resilient, resourceful, tenacious and courageous, putting up with life’s difficulties with wry good humor”. We are also described as being polite, religious, superstitious, deferential to authority figures and conflict-averse.
Displays of emotion such as grief, frustration and anger are considered inappropriate.
Well, judging by some of the attitudes and behavior I have witnessed in 2019, you could have fooled me!
