By : Ali Syarieh
What was supposed to be a routine morning turned into a dramatic confrontation at the West Java Governor’s Office. My friend, Mr. Sudo, a distinguished Japanese gentleman, was furious. He and his delegation had traveled a long way for a courtesy call with the Governor of West Java, only to find out that the Governor was away on an external duty.
“How can this happen, Ali-san?” Sudo San demanded, his face a mixture of disbelief and frustration. I, too, was taken aback. His frustration was understandable—he had brought esteemed colleagues for this meeting, and now he was left embarrassed before them.
I immediately sought clarification from the provincial protocol staff. After a quick check, it was confirmed: there was no scheduled appointment for a meeting with the Japanese delegation. Puzzled, I turned to Sudo San and asked, “Did you send a request letter for the meeting?”
With absolute certainty, he presented the letter to me. I handed it over to the protocol staff, and an eerie silence filled the room. Then, the revelation came—the letter had been sent two years ago!
Clash of Cultural Perceptions on Time and Formality
This incident lays bare a fundamental cultural difference between Japan and Indonesia regarding time perception and formal etiquette. In Japanese culture, making arrangements far in advance is a sign of deep respect. Sending a request letter two years prior was, in Sudo San’s mind, a way to honor the Governor’s busy schedule and ensure the meeting would not disrupt his commitments. In Japan, everything is meticulously planned, and time is a sacred commodity that must be handled with precision.
However, in Indonesia—especially in West Java—time is often perceived with greater fluidity. The local proverb “Sangkuriang Kabeurangan” comes to mind, referring to the legendary tale of Sangkuriang, who attempted to build a lake overnight. This reflects a cultural inclination towards spontaneity, adaptability, and a fast-paced, last-minute approach to problem-solving. In Indonesian bureaucracy, schedules change constantly due to unforeseen urgencies, and a letter sent two years ago without follow-up might as well have been lost in time.
Reflections and Lessons from This Encounter
What lessons can we take from this episode? First, for individuals like Sudo San, it is crucial to understand that in Indonesia’s bureaucratic system, active follow-ups are necessary. A letter sent years ago, without subsequent confirmations, risks being forgotten or deemed irrelevant.
Conversely, for Indonesians engaging in international relations, recognizing the value of meticulous planning and systematic scheduling is imperative. Many cultures, especially Japan, place high regard on punctuality and well-structured correspondence. Adopting such standards can not only enhance professionalism but also prevent diplomatic missteps like the one experienced by Sudo San.
Cultural differences are inevitable, yet by fostering mutual understanding, we can bridge these gaps and create stronger, more effective international relationships. The uproar at the West Java Governor’s Office was not just a trivial mishap—it was a powerful lesson in the importance of cross-cultural awareness in professional and diplomatic interactions.
