How problems get solved in Indonesia

Dealing with problems is an interesting subject here in Indonesia. Its easy to say that the 2 ways people deal with problems are 1) to pay for a solution, and 2) to get a mob. There is a lot of truth to both of those. Traditionally however, there are much older mechanisms that are used to sort out disputes. These mechanisms overlap into moderm life and may be part of the reason, Westerners find it infuriating, trying to get quick solutions out here.

Going way back in time, to when Indonesia was just a village culture, a system of cooperation called Gotong Royong, came about. The idea is that when a major effort is needed, maybe in a local disaster, or time of trouble / hardship, its all hands to the pumps. Men will bring their own tools and work for free, for the good of the village / area.

When I got married in Semarang Java, the man who lived across the street from Ika’s parents was the kepala desa (village head). It didn’t really matter to me, but he had to be invited to the wedding, as did his superior, the area cheif. For a westerner, it seems rather strange, having another local who is appointed to make decisions which can affect me, but that’s the way its set up. The kepala desa can sign forms, get you a new local ID and be the first stepping stone to getting things done, if you live in an Indonesian village. The government of Indonesia loves this method, as it enables the country to run itself to a large extent.

The kepala desa will coordinate gotong royong programs, such as fixing a dam wall or helping to fix a road. Of course the whole system is wide open to nepotism, which is also a part of Indonesian life.

For westerners living in an Indonesian village, you will not be expected to get out of bed and help a farmer haul his water buffalo out of a ditch, but you might be asked for a donation of money, on occassion.

Verbal problem solving traditionally uses a system called Musjawarah & Mufakat. These Arabic word mean ‘discussion’ and ‘agreement’. Using these methods, everyone gets a chance to speak, and after long exhaustive discussions, a mutually acceptible conclusion is reached.

These principles are used in villages across Indonesia and in government. A village’s ‘council of elders’ sits and deliberates an issue. The western combative idea of democracy, whereby there is a vote and winner takes all, is not followed out here. Indonesians think the minorities rights are just as important as the majority, so discussions must continue until both parties reach a settlement.

In practice there are other forces at work (money, political pressure etc.) so all government decisions do not necessarily follow this course, but on a lower level and particularly, on a village level, they happen more often.