Alastair: Many readers here can understand, tetapi bahasa-indo bukan nasi goreng spesial di JG ya.

You might find it more comfortable conversing here:

http://www.poskotanews.com/2011/10/12/“wajah-mesum”-di-kontrakkan/

Makasih.

Hmmm, malu lan atiku cilik. Saya pasti bahwa DrDez punya kebenaran, tanpa kuperlu mencobanya. Makasih.

Alastair - get yourself to Monas next time there is some form or rally - ideally a political one (less chance of violence)

Check out the MC ...

My Indonesian hosts have always been considerate above any standards of hospitality I've been used to at home. But then, I'm not negotiating serious two-way business, and I guess I'm a kind of "living microphone" for some of my hosts. I'm an academic. I read a lot and write a little. I love Indos with microphones, because I'll be singing karaoke alongside them. Polytikos can be another matter, but I read politics, I don't listen to it. I can fast-forward when reading. Anyway, I appreciate much better now where others were coming from. Salam.

Alastair - would you have applied your rule of theumb if - say - you were a expat resident in Germany in the 1930's?

There comes a time when some people say - "Well I may not be a citizen of this country and it's their country and it's their business and they have to sort it out - however - I am a human being and I see human beings treated appallingly - and it just wont do and I intend to say so."

Otherwise, just sit in the shade, have another beer or cool long drink and wait for what's coming. For it is surely coming just as it did in so many ways in Germany.