How My Country Changes How I View Life
Before the end of 2021, I got a chance to come back to Indonesia, my beautiful home country. I knew it was tough to travel during this pandemic, but I had to due to the visa requirement.
Before going back, I had to prepare everything, from the quarantine process, PCR test, even the lengthy procedure I needed to get through when arriving at the Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia. It was such a long process, but it was worth it. Gladly, I only needed to do five days of quarantine instead of a week (the current quarantine rule is ten days instead of 5 days due to Omicron spread).
After a month of staying in Indonesia, I went back to the US, and now I reflect on what I learned during my stay in Indonesia.
Meeting friends change the way I think
I planned to meet with some Indonesian friends, and it was such a fantastic conversation. I was glad to share what I have been through in the US. The conversation increased my positive mood that I didn’t get much in the last two years as the pandemic started and we limited whom we could meet.
Furthermore, the meeting inspired me to pursue the bigger goal. My friend and I kept discussing what our future looked like: building a business or investing in stock together. Sometimes, it is good to get new and fresh perspectives from other friends who live in different countries.
It’s not easy to fit in the culture
Even though I was born and grew up in Indonesia, I still had gone through the culture shock when visiting Indonesia. I am getting used to the friendly culture, such as opening the door for others or the elderly. While in Indonesia, this is not the case, and they don’t even appreciate what you have done.
However, I still did it because I thought it was the right thing to do. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with doing that. It is okay if people don’t respect what we are doing.
Technology changes are so advanced but…
I can’t believe my country has developed so fast in terms of technology-wise. I think it is a good idea, but somehow it will hassle people who don’t have access to the internet. One of the examples is the Peduli Lindungi app to scan the vaccine barcode before visiting the mall. Not all people have a good signal or smartphone to do that. The app’s primary goal is to help the mall or specific store count how many people check in to the mall.
When I saw that, I suddenly missed the manual count that Costco or supermarket guys do before letting visitors enter the store.
I learned that technology could make you easy, but it will add more hassle if too much. :) So, be smart.
Each contribution matters…
I am a girl with a big dream to change the way people think about sustainable living. When coming to Indonesia, I saw many things that have been changed compared to before. The way people live is no longer dependent on plastic bags, even though most people still use them.
That’s one of the many examples that I would like to support or contribute. Indonesia inspired me to be a part of a vast contribution and my passion for giving back to the community. Does it sound weird?
Yes, but I am planning to do it. It challenges me to do something better for my country.
Last but not least…
Traveling to Indonesia was such a pleasant journey. I have been learning and exploring things that I never experienced before. Cheers.