Crowded Places
1. How do you feel when you’re in very crowded places? Do you enjoy the atmosphere or prefer to avoid them?
I have mixed feelings about crowded places – sometimes I enjoy the energy and excitement, but other times I find them overwhelming and stressful. Places like Tanah Abang market or Grand Indonesia during weekend sales can be quite intense with all the pushing and noise. I generally prefer moderately busy places where there’s still some energy but I can move around comfortably without feeling claustrophobic.
2. What are some of the most crowded places you visit regularly in your daily life?
The most crowded places I encounter regularly are TransJakarta bus stations during rush hour, especially at Harmoni or Bundaran HI stops. Shopping malls like Mall Taman Anggrek on weekends are also incredibly packed, particularly the food courts and cinema areas. I also experience crowds at traditional markets near my home when I go grocery shopping, especially on Saturday mornings when everyone is buying fresh produce.
3. Do you think crowded places have become more common in your city over the years?
Yes, definitely – Jakarta has become much more crowded as more people move here from other parts of Indonesia for work and education opportunities. Areas that used to be relatively quiet, like some parts of South Jakarta, now have heavy traffic and busy shopping centers everywhere. The city’s population growth has made it difficult to find peaceful spaces, and even parks like Taman Suropati can get quite crowded on weekends.
4. When you’re in a crowded place, do you prefer to stay with friends or are you comfortable being alone?
I definitely prefer being with friends when I’m in crowded places because it feels safer and more enjoyable to share the experience. Having companions also helps when navigating busy areas like Pasar Baru or during major events at Gelora Bung Karno stadium. However, I can manage being alone in familiar crowded places like my local mall, though I always stay alert and keep my belongings secure.
Taking Breaks
5. How often do you take breaks during your work or study time? What do you usually do during these breaks?
I try to take a 15-minute break every two hours when studying or working to avoid mental fatigue and maintain focus. During these breaks, I usually check my social media, grab a cup of kopi or tea, or step outside for some fresh air if possible. Sometimes I also do light stretching or chat with friends via WhatsApp to help reset my mind before returning to work.
6. Do you think taking regular breaks is important for productivity? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe regular breaks are essential for maintaining high productivity because our brains need time to process information and recharge. Without breaks, I notice that my concentration decreases significantly after a few hours, and I start making more mistakes in my work. Taking short breaks actually helps me work more efficiently and feel less stressed throughout the day.
7. Where is your favorite place to take a break when you need to relax?
My favorite place to take a break is a small warung near my campus that serves excellent gado-gado and has comfortable plastic chairs under a shady tree. I also enjoy going to the rooftop terrace of my apartment building where I can see the Jakarta skyline and get some fresh air away from air conditioning. When I’m at home, I like to sit in my small balcony with a cup of teh manis while listening to music or watching short videos.
8. Has your way of taking breaks changed since you were younger?
When I was younger, my breaks usually involved playing games or watching TV for hours without much purpose or time limit. Now that I’m in university, I’ve learned to take shorter, more intentional breaks that actually help me recharge rather than waste time. I also focus more on activities that benefit my physical and mental health, like light exercise or meditation, instead of just passive entertainment.
Feeling Happy
9. What kinds of things make you feel genuinely happy in your daily life?
Simple things like sharing a good meal with friends at a local rumah makan or receiving encouraging messages from family members always brighten my day. I also feel really happy when I accomplish small goals, like finishing an assignment on time or learning something new in class. Watching funny Indonesian YouTube videos or TikToks also brings me joy, especially after a stressful day of studying or working.
10. Do you think it’s easy or difficult to stay happy in today’s world? Why?
I think it’s become more challenging to stay consistently happy because of social media pressure and the constant comparison with others’ seemingly perfect lives. Living in Jakarta also adds stress with traffic jams, pollution, and the high cost of living that can affect our daily mood. However, I’ve learned that happiness often comes from appreciating small moments and focusing on personal growth rather than external circumstances.
11. How do you usually cheer yourself up when you’re feeling down?
When I’m feeling sad or stressed, I usually call my parents or close friends to talk about what’s bothering me, as sharing problems always makes me feel lighter. I also enjoy treating myself to comfort food like bakso or soto ayam from my favorite street vendor, which reminds me of simpler, happier times. Sometimes I watch Indonesian comedy shows or listen to upbeat dangdut music to lift my spirits and distract myself from negative thoughts.
12. Do you prefer to share your happiness with others or enjoy it privately?
I definitely prefer sharing my happiness with others because it makes the joy feel more meaningful and lasting when friends and family celebrate with me. Indonesian culture values community and togetherness, so it feels natural to include others in happy moments like birthdays or achievements. However, I do appreciate quiet moments of contentment, like watching a beautiful sunset or enjoying a peaceful morning, that I can savor privately before sharing with others.
Working with Old People
13. Have you ever worked with elderly people? What was that experience like?
I haven’t had formal work experience with elderly people, but I’ve helped my grandmother and her friends with technology issues like using smartphones and online banking applications. It was initially challenging because they needed very patient, step-by-step explanations for things that seem simple to younger people. However, I found it rewarding because they were so grateful for the help, and I learned to be more patient and understanding in my communication style.
14. Do you think older and younger people work well together? Why or why not?
I believe older and younger people can work very well together when there’s mutual respect and understanding of each other’s strengths. Older people bring valuable experience, wisdom, and different perspectives that can help younger workers avoid common mistakes and think more strategically. However, sometimes there can be conflicts due to different approaches to technology or changing work methods, but these differences can actually complement each other if managed well.
15. What do you think young people can learn from working with older colleagues?
Young people can learn patience, proper work ethics, and the importance of building long-term relationships rather than focusing only on quick results. Older colleagues often have better problem-solving skills because they’ve encountered similar challenges before and know practical solutions that aren’t taught in textbooks. They can also teach us about professionalism, respect for hierarchy, and traditional Indonesian values that are still important in the workplace today.
16. Would you be interested in a job that involves helping or working with elderly people in the future?
I would be open to working with elderly people, especially in roles that involve teaching them about technology or helping them navigate modern services. It would be fulfilling to bridge the generational gap and help older adults stay connected with their families through digital platforms. However, I’d want to ensure I have proper training and patience for such work, as it requires special skills in communication and empathy that I’m still developing.
