Editor’s Note:
This humorous article reflects stereotypes and observations about a particular segment of Indonesia’s expatriate community during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is presented as a piece of social satire and does not represent the views of Living in Indonesia. While expatriate life has changed considerably over the years, many readers may still recognize some of the tongue-in-cheek caricatures described below.
You know you’re a “Bule With a Mission” if you…
- listen to Paul Simon, Gypsy Kings, or (bah!) “world music”
- adopt an Indonesian name like Jaja (just stay John)
- say, “I don’t care about money.”
- make a demonstrative big deal out of liking sambal (chili sauce) or durian
- work in a development agency or non-governmental organization (NGO)
- say, “Ugh… sitcoms!”
- blame anything and everything on the government
- are a vegetarian
- say, “I hate McDonald’s.”
- think anything from South Africa is cool
- get turned on by Paul Simon’s Graceland
- wear sandals as a political statement
- study traditional Indonesian dance or musical instruments
- say, “I don’t care about how I look.”
- complain about people treating you based on how you look
- have rattan furniture in your house
- say, “I don’t watch TV.”
- pretend you can’t remember how to eat with a knife and fork
- always wear batik drawstring trousers, regardless of appropriateness
- read books by Milan Kundera, Gabriel García Márquez, or anything with political turmoil as a backdrop
- watch movies by Roland Joffé, Chen Kaige, or anything with political turmoil as a backdrop
- snicker at anything on the bestseller lists (yet have barely literate Sarong Party Girlfriends)
- think that the “little people” are little simply because of government oppression
Mini Glossary
Bule : A common Indonesian term used to refer to foreigners, particularly those of European or Western appearance. Depending on the speaker and context, it can be neutral, affectionate, or occasionally derogatory. Although it literally derives from a word referring to someone with very light colouring, today it is widely used in everyday conversation simply to mean “foreigner.”
Sambal : A spicy chili condiment made from chili peppers and various ingredients such as tomatoes, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, lime, or other spices. Sambal is an essential accompaniment to many Indonesian dishes and exists in hundreds of regional varieties.
This piece was originally shared by one of this site’s visitors after appearing on the soc.culture.indonesia newsgroup, where it was described as “a cynical but humorous look at politically conscious expats from an Indonesian point of view.”
It was written by Adrian Darmono and was later included in Jakarta Inside Out.
© Copyright remains with the contributor.
