My time here in Jakarta is almost up. Today is Thursday and I leave on Sunday evening. I hope to have an interview with a former elections observer tomorrow, but not sure if that will actually happen. Saturday is the third and last focus group.
I thought an interesting addition to my other postings would be a section called “taxi talk.” Taxi drivers tend to be an interesting bunch of folks to talk with, and Indonesian drivers never let me down. Many times I don’t even start the conversation, so most of the comments below are unsolicited:
* “Education should be free for all school children. Otherwise, the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor.”
* “My brother lives in Miami. Four months now. Have you been there before? Do you live close?”
* Upon seeing a completely burnt mini-bus (only the frame remained) in the middle of the street: “That’s what happens when you put the engine beneath your feet.”
* “We taxi drivers don’t mind picking up Americans since they are usually respectful. We don’t like picking up Malaysian men because they can be rude. One man grabbed my arm before and called me stupid when he thought I made a mistake. We never pick up black men [Africans].” When I asked why, the taxi driver responded, “Drugs or drug dealers.” (!!!)
* “Corruption is a big problem in our country. It was easier under Suharto, but now there is corruption at every level, everywhere.” (!!!)
* “You’re too young to be in a Ph.D. program.”
* “Where is your husband?”
