The 'colonial complex' is still with Indonesians and there remains an underlying resentment and envy of the west: witness the ferocity in which Indonesians play chess with westerners in Yogya. Don't freak out if a pickpocket probes your pocket or bag for money, just take the strange fingers out, point at him, and announce to everyone, Pfncopetl (Pickpocket!). On occasion in South Sumatra, Flores, or in South Celebes you could get taunted by young boys who just want to see how you'll react. It's absolutely essential not to get angry, this is what delights them all the more. A good method is to ask bystanders where the boy's father is, go to him and complain of his son's disrespectful behavior. With all the neighbors looking on and with the fahter having to uphold his honor in the kampung, the boy will be taken care of, perhaps before your eyes for all to see and hear. Single traveling ladies are much more likely to get raped in the USA or in Australia than in Indonesia, but you can expect men and boys to touch you indecently.

If this happens just spit out at him, Kau babil (You pig)), the aim being to humiliate him in public so he doesn't do it again. Indonesian males could fondle a male traveler's penis when the traveler is taking his leave. In most s cases this is only intended as a friendly parting gesture, to reaffirm his affection for you. If a western male travels with an Indonesian girl through Indonesia, expect a lot of hassels. She has to report to the police in every town and since you don't have the same name many hotel owners won't allow you to sleep together in the same room; it opposes Islamic law and makes it look like his hotel is a whorehouse. Normally, if a couple is unmarried there is no problem sleeping together in the same room, as long as they're both from the west. If you're traveling with a child in Indonesia, especially a fair male child, the problem is not in finding a free babysitter for the day but the problem is getting your child back from the babysitter.