Testimony 23/01/06: On Indonesian Roads

Sometimes I think life is like driving on Indonesian roads. Without any speed limit, anyone could drive as fast as they could. Without any clear lines, people could overtake anyhow. Without any bus stop, the public transport could halt anywhere they like without any signal, including in the middle lane! Even all three traffic lights mean go! Green means go. Yellow means go faster. And red means… go at your own risk! All these are in addition to the very bad and rough road surfaces.

More often than not, I become frustrated on the road. I honk my way to the office to let people know that I’m passing by (otherwise they would just cut my lane!). Whenever I see my side mirror and realise someone is trying to overtake, I would step on my accelerator instead. My heart beats faster every time I drive. And I don’t like it. I start cursing out of annoyance, breaking and accelerating more often.

I wish people would drive just like people drive in Melbourne. Oh yes. I wish! And I tried to change everyone. Honking even more. Staring and looking straight into their eyes. No wonder I become tired… and frustrated.

In real life, a lot of people elbow each other to get their own way too. Sometimes they let out words that are not edifying at all. Often with unfriendly glare.

But I realise I cannot change everyone. And when I try to, I become frustrated. Lower my standard? Not an option. I decided to stop cursing. I also decided to drive more carefully. I realise it is not good for my soul and body. I know the temptation is big. Well… people still drive ever so carelessly. But by God’s grace I will drive more cautiously. And be myself. On the road. And in everything else in my life.