Shoes
1. How many pairs of shoes do you own, and what types do you have?
I own about eight pairs of shoes, which might seem like a lot but each serves a different purpose. I have sneakers for daily activities, formal leather shoes for office events or weddings, sandals for casual outings, and sepatu olahraga for going to the gym. Living in Jakarta’s tropical climate, I also have a few pairs of comfortable slip-on shoes that are easy to remove when entering homes or mosques.
2. Do you prefer comfortable shoes or fashionable ones? Why?
I definitely prioritize comfortable shoes over fashionable ones because I spend a lot of time walking around Jakarta’s busy streets and malls. Fashionable shoes often hurt my feet after a few hours, which makes it difficult to enjoy my day out. However, I try to find shoes that are both comfortable and reasonably stylish so I don’t have to sacrifice my appearance completely.
3. How often do you buy new shoes, and where do you usually shop for them?
I typically buy new shoes every six months or when my current ones wear out from frequent use on Jakarta’s rough pavements. I usually shop at malls like Pacific Place or Grand Indonesia because they have a good variety of brands and I can try them on properly. Sometimes I also buy shoes online through Shopee or Tokopedia when there are good discounts, though I’m always worried about sizing issues.
4. Is it important to wear different shoes for different occasions in your culture?
Yes, it’s quite important in Indonesian culture to wear appropriate shoes for different situations and show respect for the setting. For example, we always remove shoes before entering someone’s home, mosques, or traditional ceremonies, so wearing easy-to-remove footwear is practical. When attending formal events like weddings or office meetings, people expect you to wear proper dress shoes rather than casual sandals or sneakers.
Things You Bring
5. What are the most important things you always carry with you when you go out?
The three things I never leave home without are my smartphone, wallet, and house keys because they’re essential for daily life in Jakarta. I also always bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer, especially after the pandemic, to stay clean when using public transportation or visiting crowded places. During rainy season, I make sure to carry a compact umbrella since Jakarta’s weather can be quite unpredictable.
6. Do you ever forget to bring something important? What usually happens?
I sometimes forget to bring my power bank, which is really frustrating when my phone battery dies while I’m stuck in traffic or waiting for online ojek. When this happens, I usually have to ask friends to share their charger or find a cafe where I can plug in my phone. I’ve learned to keep a checklist on my phone to remind me of important items, especially when I’m rushing in the morning.
7. Has what you carry with you changed compared to a few years ago?
Yes, definitely – I carry much less cash now because most places in Jakarta accept digital payments like GoPay, OVO, or DANA. I used to bring a thick wallet full of rupiah notes, but now I mostly rely on my smartphone for payments and transportation apps. However, I’ve started carrying hand sanitizer and face masks, which weren’t necessary before the COVID-19 pandemic changed our daily habits.
8. Do you prefer to travel light or bring many things with you? Why?
I prefer to travel light because carrying too many things becomes exhausting, especially when using public transportation or walking in Jakarta’s heat. Having fewer items also means less worry about losing or forgetting something important during busy days. However, I do bring a few extra essentials like tissues and wet wipes because Jakarta can be quite dusty and humid, making it necessary to stay fresh throughout the day.
Chatting
9. Do you enjoy chatting with strangers, or do you prefer talking to people you know well?
I’m more comfortable chatting with people I know well because we share common experiences and I don’t have to worry about cultural misunderstandings or awkward silences. However, I do enjoy occasional conversations with strangers, especially when traveling or waiting in queues, as it helps pass time and sometimes leads to interesting stories. Indonesian people are generally friendly, so casual chats with strangers at warung or during commuting can be quite pleasant and natural.
10. Where do you usually have long conversations with your friends?
I usually have long conversations with friends at coffee shops like Starbucks or local cafe because they provide a comfortable environment with good wifi and aren’t too noisy. We also enjoy chatting at each other’s homes, especially during weekends when we can relax without time pressure and share meals together. Sometimes our longest conversations happen during car rides or when we’re stuck in Jakarta traffic, since we have nothing else to do but talk.
11. Has the way people chat and communicate changed since you were younger?
Yes, communication has changed dramatically with the rise of social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok over the past decade. When I was younger, we used to have longer phone calls or meet face-to-face more often, but now most conversations happen through quick text messages or voice notes. While digital communication is more convenient, I sometimes miss the deeper connections we had during those longer, more focused conversations.
12. Do you prefer chatting face-to-face or through messaging apps? Why?
I prefer face-to-face conversations for important or emotional topics because I can read body language and facial expressions, which helps avoid misunderstandings. However, messaging apps are incredibly convenient for quick daily communication, especially when coordinating plans or sharing funny memes with friends throughout the day. The combination works well – I use WhatsApp for practical matters and save meaningful conversations for when we meet in person at cafes or each other’s homes.
