Make sure you enter a space like you have been sent there, and leave like you have accomplished your mission and make haste to your next one.
... is what I would have done if it were possible to do here. People love chit-chatting. "Indonesia is the friendliest country in the world" naah, we're just nosy, bro. It's a double-edged sword, really. We're friendly, maybe. Looks like community-oriented, prioritising social harmony. But nobody tells you that the social harmony here requires homogeneity. Which can mean that you should not talk about justice if it is against those who are respected in society.
The usual greetings, chit-chat scripts roughly translate to "Where have you been?", "Long time no see! How many kids do you have now?" "Where are you going?" "Where do you work?" "Are you married?" "Why do you live alone?" "I thought you were married! Who was that guy last year visiting your apartment?" "How was your Eid? What did you cook for your family?" "Why are you always in your apartment? Come outside watching our kids together!" "What are you cooking today?" "Where does your husband work?" etc., etc.
The friendliness (or nosiness) is also a form of social control and surveillance.
Hence, I use that to my advantage instead; I use it to hone my storytelling skills.
One time, I was a neglected third wife of a Yemeni merchant. Other times, I was the secret mistress of a government official, a widow of a military husband, a loyal wife of a naval officer, a divorced wife enjoying her second chance in life, etc., etc., and I make it obvious they are all made-up stories, that I am lying to their faces. But they just laugh it off. I think at this point these people wouldn't know if I'm ever telling the truth.
I guess, in a way, it's mission accomplished.








