How To Live In Yogyakarta
A GUIDE
HOW TO LIVE IN YOGYAKARTA
GRADUATE PROGRAM OF GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING – GADJAH MADA UNIVERSITY
2011
Graduate Program of Geological Engineering
Faculty of Engineering – Gadjah Mada University
Email : pasca_geologi@ugm.ac.id | Website : http://pasca.geologi.ugm.ac.id
HOW TO LIVE IN YOGYAKARTA
INTRODUCTION
Yogyakarta city lies in the heart of Java
Island. Two-third of the national population live on
this island, so you will be surprised to find out how
crowded the cities in Java are. Yogyakarta is just
one of them.
Yogyakarta city is dubbed as a cultural city, a
tourism city, and an educational city. Here, you will
experience living in a very heterogeneous society,
as Yogyakarta is also known as a miniature of
Indonesia. It is a unique place where traditional
culture and values give a very strong influence to its
people’s daily life. At the same time, academic life
gives equally strong character to its life, making the
city of Yogyakarta a real paradox.
Despite the national language (Indonesian), most people communicate in local
languages, for instance Javanese, Malay, Sundanese, etc. Spoken Javanese itself, which is the
dominant vernacular language in Java, uses nine levels reflecting rank, status, age, and
degree of acquaintance between speakers. Thus, living amid a diverse culture in a relatively
small place and away from your home may pose many problems to you if it’s your first time
living abroad.
The following parts will give you insights into potential problems you may
encounter during your early stay in Yogyakarta. Part A discusses life outside campus and
Part B discusses life in campus
A. Life outside campus
1. Street
Throughout Indonesia many of
the streets are named for the heroes
that all Indonesia honours. Familiarity
with these will give you an
appreciation for the men of
Indonesia’s history. You could charm
an Indonesian friend with your
knowledge. You will not that it is
common for a street to change its
name usually at an intersection.
Westerner will probably mutter
that the roads are cluttered, inefficient,
confusing, poorly maintained, vaguely
marked, scary, venues for all manner of shops-on wheels. The Indonesian generally views
the roadways as extensions of everyone’s stores, a public area for drying crops, placing
offerings, disposing of rats and snakes, a broad avenue to walk six to eight abreast, a fine
1
Graduate Program of Geological Engineering
Faculty of Engineering – Gadjah Mada University
Email : pasca_geologi@ugm.ac.id | Website : http://pasca.geologi.ugm.ac.id
area for teaching very young children to cycle. The streets never sleep. As the sun falls, the
food stalls appear and attract their customers who eat, then stay to chat and watch each
other watching each other. So much seems
temporary or at least movable about the
street, one almost overlooks non-movable
tyre repair, news stalls, the little cigarette
and candy wagons, the car oil vendors, the
garbage dumpsites, and the plant
nurseries.
The driving habits you may notice
are: It does not matter how many white
lanes are painted on the road or how
many lanes of traffic there should be,
people just go with the flow. Whoever can
place a portion of his vehicle in front of
the other has achieved the right of way.
Because all Indonesians are aware of this,
there is incredible squeezing and jostling
and pushing for position at crossroads.
2. About Bahasa Indonesia
Today almost 100 per cent of the national population is literate in Bahasa Indonesia.
Leaning Bahasa Indonesia gives foreigner a tool for functioning confidently, builds a bridge
to the local people, and acknowledges the importance of the national language. Survival
competence in Bahasa Indonesia is within the ability of almost everyone who live here. It is
not tonal. The grammar is straightforward: there are no cases, genders, declensions or
difficult conjugations. It is written in Roman letters.
3. Food
Yogyakarta, or Indonesia in
general, is truly a feast: whether in
eating styles, charm, price or
ambiance, there is something for
everyone.
The
traditional
convenience foods in Indonesia are
those served by the colourful kakilima (street food vendors). They
push their carts to you or sell the
foods from permanent stalls.
Warungs, small neighbourhood
eateries that seat 4-6 round a table
are everywhere, while rumah
makan is the complete restaurant.
Finally, you can find fast food
eateries in town. There is a wide variety of western fast food chains selling chicken grilled,
roasted, steamed, and fried, pizza, American hamburger and donuts, and ice cream.
2
Graduate Program of Geological Engineering
Faculty of Engineering – Gadjah Mada University
Email : pasca_geologi@ugm.ac.id | Website : http://pasca.geologi.ugm.ac.id
4. Bargaining
Bargaining over the price of goods and services is an art form. Bargaining as
understood by practitioners is definitely a method for establishing and solidifying one’s
status in the economic community-an item may have a variety of prices, each reflecting in
the eye of the merchant the correct price for each of his customers. To offer everyone the
same price removes the opportunity to ‘do a favour for my special customer’ and equally
the opportunity to blatantly overcharge an unsuspecting buyer!
The typical westerner-in-ahurry is confused and vexed at the
resistance to doing business quickly.
Fortunately many of the stores are
now ‘fixed price’-predictable, efficient,
impersonal
and
standardized.
However, in the smaller shops
bargaining or at least asking for
discount is the rule. Start at about 5060 percent of the price and raise your
offer as bit as the first price is lowered
until an agreement is reached (which
should be 10-12 per cent lower than
the original).
5. Bureaucracy
Indonesia used to have a ponderous octopus-like bureaucracy, but after the
Reformation (1998) it is a bit simplified. However, you may still find it frustrating as
everything is done manually. If you must deal with local government/administration offices
(for permit, license, etc), it is highly recommended that you have local people (Indonesian
friend) for assistance.
6. Bathing
Being clean and bathing frequently –a minimum of twice a day for most- is a
significant Indonesian characteristic. The joy of cleanliness is a topic for general
conversation. A polite question
asked by visitors about 4 p.m.
is “How are you? Have you had
your bath yet?” If the response
is “No” it is perfectly correct to
hasten to the bath while the
visitor waits.
Bathing
Indonesian
splash-style is an energetic
activity. Water is flung about
the entire area –floor, walls,
and sometimes ceiling-to the
exclamation of joy or anguish
at its temperature. It is
common to find bak mandi
3
Graduate Program of Geological Engineering
Faculty of Engineering – Gadjah Mada University
Email : pasca_geologi@ugm.ac.id | Website : http://pasca.geologi.ugm.ac.id
(container that hold water for bathing) and the squat toilet (W.C.) sharing the same room.
The water from bak mandi is dippered out to flush the toilet and also meant to be used for
bath.
7. The Squat Toilet.
Westerners who are unfamiliar with squat toilets generally view them with alarm.
The fact remains that they are used by over half the world’s people. For convenience,
people usually remove their underwear or trousers to a hook or nail. There are several
reasons for this. The first is
it is more comfortable to
have your knees free and
not in a death grip with
your garment. The second is
that the contents of your
pockets are protected from
a
precipitous
and
unplanned trip into toilet.
Don’t look for a roll of toilet
paper in the traditional W.C.
Carry your own roll. The
operative word is wash, not
wipe. Commonly the left
hand and copious amounts
of water are used to
complete the bathroom
chores.
8. Doing Honour
It is widely felt that the highly refined social behaviour of the Javanese more or less
sets the social standards throughout the country. Arriving in Indonesia, you will
immediately be aware of this. This behavior either fascinates or frustrates the westerner
trying to interact with it.
The Javanese acknowledge that they mask their emotions and rarely reveal how
they feel. For good manners, begin by understanding that:
a. Everyone has status in Indonesia
b. No one is equal
c. Status is situational
d. There’s no such thing as “No respect”
People should observe the formalities of greeting (honour) others with the respect their
position deserved. Indonesians go to great lengths to “do honour” (pay respect). One does
honour by forgiving tardiness, inconveniences, interruption by a person of higher status.
You are expected to be calm and understanding (on the surface at least). One does honours
by shaking hands with everyone (in a social function) and by not discussing unpleasant
items. One shows respect to the elderly of all social levels. One does honour by shielding
someone from bad news. If that fails, one should impart bad news with a smile. The proper
response would be murmurings of concern. The outward show of civility is more important
than an encounter with the truth of the situation.
4
Graduate Program of Geological Engineering
Faculty of Engineering – Gadjah Mada University
Email : pasca_geologi@ugm.ac.id | Website : http://pasca.geologi.ugm.ac.id
9. Group socialising
In a country as densely
populated as Indonesia, it is
probably just as well that
people get used to doing
almost everything as part of a
group. It seems there is no
such thing as private business,
property, or time.
It is desirable that each
person feel as one with the
group. One of the ways the
individual is conditioned for
communal living is by teasing.
Teasing is probably like a
game. Everyone tries to get on
your nerves. You lose if you
show a reaction. You win if you can give the appearance of not caring. It is a subtle and
strong method of achieving at least the appearance of inner calm.
It’s worth noting that men of all social classes typically walk holding hands or with
arms interlocked. Women do it to a lesser degree (but they often hug and kiss when they
meet). This is not a statement about widespread homosexuality; rather it reflects the
Indonesian’s sense of personal space.
5
HOW TO LIVE IN YOGYAKARTA
GRADUATE PROGRAM OF GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING – GADJAH MADA UNIVERSITY
2011
Graduate Program of Geological Engineering
Faculty of Engineering – Gadjah Mada University
Email : pasca_geologi@ugm.ac.id | Website : http://pasca.geologi.ugm.ac.id
HOW TO LIVE IN YOGYAKARTA
INTRODUCTION
Yogyakarta city lies in the heart of Java
Island. Two-third of the national population live on
this island, so you will be surprised to find out how
crowded the cities in Java are. Yogyakarta is just
one of them.
Yogyakarta city is dubbed as a cultural city, a
tourism city, and an educational city. Here, you will
experience living in a very heterogeneous society,
as Yogyakarta is also known as a miniature of
Indonesia. It is a unique place where traditional
culture and values give a very strong influence to its
people’s daily life. At the same time, academic life
gives equally strong character to its life, making the
city of Yogyakarta a real paradox.
Despite the national language (Indonesian), most people communicate in local
languages, for instance Javanese, Malay, Sundanese, etc. Spoken Javanese itself, which is the
dominant vernacular language in Java, uses nine levels reflecting rank, status, age, and
degree of acquaintance between speakers. Thus, living amid a diverse culture in a relatively
small place and away from your home may pose many problems to you if it’s your first time
living abroad.
The following parts will give you insights into potential problems you may
encounter during your early stay in Yogyakarta. Part A discusses life outside campus and
Part B discusses life in campus
A. Life outside campus
1. Street
Throughout Indonesia many of
the streets are named for the heroes
that all Indonesia honours. Familiarity
with these will give you an
appreciation for the men of
Indonesia’s history. You could charm
an Indonesian friend with your
knowledge. You will not that it is
common for a street to change its
name usually at an intersection.
Westerner will probably mutter
that the roads are cluttered, inefficient,
confusing, poorly maintained, vaguely
marked, scary, venues for all manner of shops-on wheels. The Indonesian generally views
the roadways as extensions of everyone’s stores, a public area for drying crops, placing
offerings, disposing of rats and snakes, a broad avenue to walk six to eight abreast, a fine
1
Graduate Program of Geological Engineering
Faculty of Engineering – Gadjah Mada University
Email : pasca_geologi@ugm.ac.id | Website : http://pasca.geologi.ugm.ac.id
area for teaching very young children to cycle. The streets never sleep. As the sun falls, the
food stalls appear and attract their customers who eat, then stay to chat and watch each
other watching each other. So much seems
temporary or at least movable about the
street, one almost overlooks non-movable
tyre repair, news stalls, the little cigarette
and candy wagons, the car oil vendors, the
garbage dumpsites, and the plant
nurseries.
The driving habits you may notice
are: It does not matter how many white
lanes are painted on the road or how
many lanes of traffic there should be,
people just go with the flow. Whoever can
place a portion of his vehicle in front of
the other has achieved the right of way.
Because all Indonesians are aware of this,
there is incredible squeezing and jostling
and pushing for position at crossroads.
2. About Bahasa Indonesia
Today almost 100 per cent of the national population is literate in Bahasa Indonesia.
Leaning Bahasa Indonesia gives foreigner a tool for functioning confidently, builds a bridge
to the local people, and acknowledges the importance of the national language. Survival
competence in Bahasa Indonesia is within the ability of almost everyone who live here. It is
not tonal. The grammar is straightforward: there are no cases, genders, declensions or
difficult conjugations. It is written in Roman letters.
3. Food
Yogyakarta, or Indonesia in
general, is truly a feast: whether in
eating styles, charm, price or
ambiance, there is something for
everyone.
The
traditional
convenience foods in Indonesia are
those served by the colourful kakilima (street food vendors). They
push their carts to you or sell the
foods from permanent stalls.
Warungs, small neighbourhood
eateries that seat 4-6 round a table
are everywhere, while rumah
makan is the complete restaurant.
Finally, you can find fast food
eateries in town. There is a wide variety of western fast food chains selling chicken grilled,
roasted, steamed, and fried, pizza, American hamburger and donuts, and ice cream.
2
Graduate Program of Geological Engineering
Faculty of Engineering – Gadjah Mada University
Email : pasca_geologi@ugm.ac.id | Website : http://pasca.geologi.ugm.ac.id
4. Bargaining
Bargaining over the price of goods and services is an art form. Bargaining as
understood by practitioners is definitely a method for establishing and solidifying one’s
status in the economic community-an item may have a variety of prices, each reflecting in
the eye of the merchant the correct price for each of his customers. To offer everyone the
same price removes the opportunity to ‘do a favour for my special customer’ and equally
the opportunity to blatantly overcharge an unsuspecting buyer!
The typical westerner-in-ahurry is confused and vexed at the
resistance to doing business quickly.
Fortunately many of the stores are
now ‘fixed price’-predictable, efficient,
impersonal
and
standardized.
However, in the smaller shops
bargaining or at least asking for
discount is the rule. Start at about 5060 percent of the price and raise your
offer as bit as the first price is lowered
until an agreement is reached (which
should be 10-12 per cent lower than
the original).
5. Bureaucracy
Indonesia used to have a ponderous octopus-like bureaucracy, but after the
Reformation (1998) it is a bit simplified. However, you may still find it frustrating as
everything is done manually. If you must deal with local government/administration offices
(for permit, license, etc), it is highly recommended that you have local people (Indonesian
friend) for assistance.
6. Bathing
Being clean and bathing frequently –a minimum of twice a day for most- is a
significant Indonesian characteristic. The joy of cleanliness is a topic for general
conversation. A polite question
asked by visitors about 4 p.m.
is “How are you? Have you had
your bath yet?” If the response
is “No” it is perfectly correct to
hasten to the bath while the
visitor waits.
Bathing
Indonesian
splash-style is an energetic
activity. Water is flung about
the entire area –floor, walls,
and sometimes ceiling-to the
exclamation of joy or anguish
at its temperature. It is
common to find bak mandi
3
Graduate Program of Geological Engineering
Faculty of Engineering – Gadjah Mada University
Email : pasca_geologi@ugm.ac.id | Website : http://pasca.geologi.ugm.ac.id
(container that hold water for bathing) and the squat toilet (W.C.) sharing the same room.
The water from bak mandi is dippered out to flush the toilet and also meant to be used for
bath.
7. The Squat Toilet.
Westerners who are unfamiliar with squat toilets generally view them with alarm.
The fact remains that they are used by over half the world’s people. For convenience,
people usually remove their underwear or trousers to a hook or nail. There are several
reasons for this. The first is
it is more comfortable to
have your knees free and
not in a death grip with
your garment. The second is
that the contents of your
pockets are protected from
a
precipitous
and
unplanned trip into toilet.
Don’t look for a roll of toilet
paper in the traditional W.C.
Carry your own roll. The
operative word is wash, not
wipe. Commonly the left
hand and copious amounts
of water are used to
complete the bathroom
chores.
8. Doing Honour
It is widely felt that the highly refined social behaviour of the Javanese more or less
sets the social standards throughout the country. Arriving in Indonesia, you will
immediately be aware of this. This behavior either fascinates or frustrates the westerner
trying to interact with it.
The Javanese acknowledge that they mask their emotions and rarely reveal how
they feel. For good manners, begin by understanding that:
a. Everyone has status in Indonesia
b. No one is equal
c. Status is situational
d. There’s no such thing as “No respect”
People should observe the formalities of greeting (honour) others with the respect their
position deserved. Indonesians go to great lengths to “do honour” (pay respect). One does
honour by forgiving tardiness, inconveniences, interruption by a person of higher status.
You are expected to be calm and understanding (on the surface at least). One does honours
by shaking hands with everyone (in a social function) and by not discussing unpleasant
items. One shows respect to the elderly of all social levels. One does honour by shielding
someone from bad news. If that fails, one should impart bad news with a smile. The proper
response would be murmurings of concern. The outward show of civility is more important
than an encounter with the truth of the situation.
4
Graduate Program of Geological Engineering
Faculty of Engineering – Gadjah Mada University
Email : pasca_geologi@ugm.ac.id | Website : http://pasca.geologi.ugm.ac.id
9. Group socialising
In a country as densely
populated as Indonesia, it is
probably just as well that
people get used to doing
almost everything as part of a
group. It seems there is no
such thing as private business,
property, or time.
It is desirable that each
person feel as one with the
group. One of the ways the
individual is conditioned for
communal living is by teasing.
Teasing is probably like a
game. Everyone tries to get on
your nerves. You lose if you
show a reaction. You win if you can give the appearance of not caring. It is a subtle and
strong method of achieving at least the appearance of inner calm.
It’s worth noting that men of all social classes typically walk holding hands or with
arms interlocked. Women do it to a lesser degree (but they often hug and kiss when they
meet). This is not a statement about widespread homosexuality; rather it reflects the
Indonesian’s sense of personal space.
5