One gets so accustomed over time to the way things are done here in Indonesia that he forgets that many of them don't make much sense. Take the rules about motorbike ownership, for instance. I think of this just now because I'm currently having to do my yearly motorbike registration. But the thing is, a foreigner cannot buy a motorbike in Indonesia (nor a car, for that matter). But of course, everyone needs a mode of transportation, given that there is basically no such thing as public transportation. Therefore, he must buy his bike through a friend or other relation or representative. He then has a bike, and a registration under the name of the buyer, but he cannot renew the registration without help from the actual owner to the extent that the owner must once a year provide documentation of citizenship in order to renew the registration. It's not as if anyone at all is unware of this procedure; and, in fact, I'm sure that if you don't know anyone, the dealership will nominate someone for you. Either that, or you can just buy from a private party who doesn't care about any of the above and drive without a registration. Given that all of this results in no one being without a bike or car, what's the point in the run-around to begin with?
Naturally, one has to have a license also. Well, technically. Again, why would one be acquiring a license if he owns no vehicle? Oh, I suppose it would serve as permission to drive someone else's car or motorbike--but then, you're already driving someone else's car or motorbike, aren't you?
And this is just the tip of the iceberg, folks. Don't even get me started on what is required to qualify as a foreign resident here and what is actually observed!
It all works out in the end because realistic efforts are made on many levels to make it work out. Yet one wonders why things have been arranged so as to require the efforts in the first place. "There's a way around that" is the Indonesian motto in all walks and endeavors of life.
Don't worry, be happy.
Naturally, one has to have a license also. Well, technically. Again, why would one be acquiring a license if he owns no vehicle? Oh, I suppose it would serve as permission to drive someone else's car or motorbike--but then, you're already driving someone else's car or motorbike, aren't you?
And this is just the tip of the iceberg, folks. Don't even get me started on what is required to qualify as a foreign resident here and what is actually observed!
It all works out in the end because realistic efforts are made on many levels to make it work out. Yet one wonders why things have been arranged so as to require the efforts in the first place. "There's a way around that" is the Indonesian motto in all walks and endeavors of life.
Don't worry, be happy.
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