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What kind of job is “tukang …”? Posted by asimonoff on Aug 24, 2015
When you learn Indonesian the first time, you notice that there are job titles that begin with “tukang” (pronounced “two-kung”). While at the time you also learn that there are professions and occupations equivalent to English, you also learn that it is not easy to find similar jobs of “tukang…” For example, “tukang parkir” is…
Telling Time in Indonesian Posted by asimonoff on Aug 20, 2015
The following are some of the words and expressions that can be used when telling the time in Indonesian. Indonesian English · jam · hour, o’clock, and a clock. · menit · minute · detik · second · tepat · sharp or on the dot · kurang · until the hour · lewat/lebih · past…
Chinese New Year Celebration in Indonesia: A Road to a New-found Identity Posted by asimonoff on Jul 10, 2015
In Indonesia, the Chinese New Year, also known as ‘Tahun Baru Imlek’ or ‘Tahun Baru Cina.’ However, interestingly, the word ‘imlek’ is originally from Hokkien language, which means ‘lunar calendar.’ Along with Chinese people around the world, Chinese in Indonesia celebrates this most important holiday, which begins on the second new moon after the winter solace, with…
The Fasting Month of Ramadhan in Indonesia Posted by asimonoff on Jun 22, 2015
Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar (Hijri Calendar), is the fasting month (Bulan Puasa), and it is of great importance in Indonesia, which is a predominantly Muslim country. The days Ramadhan is celebrated vary every year, as the calendar is based on cycles of the lunar phases. Even though each month on the Islamic calendar could be either 29 or 30…
Arisan: A uniquely Indonesian financial-scheme Posted by asimonoff on Jun 10, 2015
What will Indonesians do to strengthen the bond between them? They will form an “Arisan”. An arisan is a social club with a limited membership (who are mostly women), and it is uniquely Indonesian. Those who join the club have at least similar backgrounds or interests, such as relatives, office colleagues, ex-coworkers, classmates, former schoolmates, and hang-out…
Indonesia: A Cash-based Society Posted by asimonoff on Jun 4, 2015
Foreign travelers, who visit Indonesia from cashless payment method countries, might be surprised that Indonesia is still very much a cash-based society. Even though credit cards are increasingly popular in Indonesia, they are not yet accepted as a preferable method of payment. Most of the shops in Indonesia only accept cash. The foods and goods…
International Airport in Jakarta: Arriving and Departing Posted by asimonoff on Jun 1, 2015
Most international flights to Indonesia come through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, which is also known as Cengkareng to locals. Cengkareng is used for its international airport code “CGK.” The airport is located in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. However, aside from all the advantages as a big city, Jakarta has its disadvantage, which is traffic congestion that sometimes becomes…