Elevator Rules OK

We expats often comment that however long we live here, we can always find something in the Indonesian mindset to grumble about. This leads others to ask why we don't go 'back home'.

I'm not going to bother answering that, but would like to point out that we aren't alone in thinking that here in Jakarta it appears to be every man for themselves. And women too.

Indonesia Anonymus have returned to hyperspace ~ welcome back, gang ~ to have a moan about traffic 'honkers'.

Goodness. We never thought Jakarta is that noisy!
No wonder we are grumpy when we arrive at work.

... here's what we decided to do. We came up with a pact among us. We will not use our car horn unless it is absolutely necessary. We will try to keep it quiet. We'll consider it our contribution to a quieter Jakarta. To a more livable Jakarta. A more civilized Jakarta.

So no matter how annoying the other motorists are, we will not honk. We will be very quiet about it.

That, however, does not mean we won't give a finger.

Ah, the proverbial finger.

Actually, traffic noise doesn't bother me when I'm travelling because I've usually got my nose in a book. My hassles generally start when I'm on foot.

There are folk who simply love to block footpaths and corridors to have a chat. They seem most put out having to make way; how dare we take their 'parking space'!

Then there's the lack of elevator etiquette. It isn't confined to Indonesia, of course, as coarse people exist everywhere. In fact, it's got so bad that a special website, Elevator Rules, has been set up.

It's a me first mentality. Go ahead, barge right in as the doors open and fall over the person in the wheelchair or the senior with the walker. Knock those packages right out of the exiting passengers' arms.

I wonder if the good folk at Indonesia Anonymus would care to translate some of the sensible advice offered.

We hope that this site will open your eyes to the behavior you have obviously displayed and that you will see the error in your ways. In fact, it is because of people like you that this site exists. Whether you are interested in the content found here or not, by all means, read on. The people that find themselves in an elevator with you will no doubt be much obliged.

Rule 1 - Get Out of the Way

When standing between someone trying to exit and the door, do your best to move out of the way for them. If necessary, exit the elevator, allow them to leave and re-board.

It shouldn't be too difficult to think up other rules. You're welcome to leave them in my comments.

Thank you.
 

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¶ 6:00 pm