Our calendar says this week's topic should be Indonesia's Independence Day. While we love to share all things regarding our national anniversary, we feel very strongly about the above title, the renowned song of the Queen of Soul, the late Aretha Franklin.
But let me ask you first. Have you viewed any of these recent viral videos of visitors to Bali: A family caught stealing hotel property? A man kicking a rider off his scooter, and also breaking a car's windshield? A couple misbehaving in a temple with holy water?
Yours truly cannot forget one particular scene, where the thieving hotel guest offers to pay for the items found in his bags. "Sorry, I will pay. Extra money I will pay," he says, while an employee asks him to explain why a hairdryer, soap dispenser, mirror, and jars, were all found in his bags.
"It is not about money. It is about respect," replies the hotel employee. While stealing is a crime in all parts of the world, let us use this moment for reflection.
Our culture, our etiquette, our values and beliefs. Things that make us…Us. Have we somehow blurred that fine line between being hospitable and submissive?
We want visitors from all parts of the world to continue visiting Bali. We cater for their every need. We have talent in speaking their own languages, food for all kinds of palate, and hotels implement strategies that target specific guest segments. But maybe along the way we forgot that we also need to talk more about who we are, self-respect, and mutual respect.
The rules when entering any Hindu temple in Bali come down to one word. Respect. You will need to wear a sarong and a sash, so as not to expose too much of your upper body…out of respect.
Last year, Bali's governor, Wayan Koster, issued a governor's decree stipulating what is loosely translated as "Traditional Thursday". Every Thursday, all Hindus at government offices and schools must wear traditional dress. In practice, hotels and private establishments take part too, not just Hindus.
This small act is fun and reminds us of who we are. But we feel the need to do more like this. Why not promote our local drink Loloh alongside beer? Or make a shared Megibung meal a mandatory dish for all Indonesian restaurants? Or even provide a short, basic Balinese language course as a hotel activity for guests, which includes local customs to be respected?
Or how about putting into practice what we believe? Wear a helmet while riding a motorbike, no littering, proudly commit to our ban of single-use plastic, and not to shy away from people who are doing wrong, either accidentally or deliberately. "Please, Sir, put your T-shirt on".
Balinese or not, visitor or resident, this is the land we love to call the Island of the Gods. Let us all respect the island. Our island.
And Happy Independence Day, Indonesia. Bali is so proud to be part of the Emerald of the Equator!
Don't forget to check our What's New Indonesia for Jakarta, Bali, and Bandung happenings.
Thank you for staying in touch with us, and the Island of the Gods.
Cheers,
Tressabel Hutasoit
Editor What's New Bali
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