To operate a motor vehicle in Indonesia, you must understand the transportation terminology in an entirely different way.  As you observe the traffic, definitions that you thought were above redefinition will immediately be redefined. 

The following definitions have been created to reflect actual usage, as seen in action on the roads of Indonesia:

THE ROAD

In Indonesia, the Road includes not only the paved portion of the highway, but also what others might call the verge, the curb, the sidewalk, the front yard and the roadside restaurant.  The paved portion of the roadway is generally one lane wide (not one lane in each direction, but one lane).

LIGHTS

Rapidly blinking the headlights can mean many things, including:

• “OK to pass now”

• “Dangerous to pass now”

• “Get out of the way”

• “May you find the thread of gold in the linen of existence”

It takes years, sometimes entire lifetimes, to learn this subtle and intriguing intuitive nonverbal communication skill.  Generally, however, you have about three seconds.

THE HORN

When sounded loudly and frequently, the horn sets up an invisible energy barrier protecting the vehicle and its occupants from all harm.  The faster the vehicle is going, the better the horn works.  This is the central concept of Indonesian motoring.

LANES

These colorful white and yellow markings wish a hearty “Selamat Datang”, or “Welcome”, to every traveler.  They serve no other function.

SEATBELTS

In Indonesia, seatbelts are absolutely unnecessary.  In fact, not only are they not worn; they are not even provided.  Passengers are fully protected by the horn.

PASSING

The national sport of Indonesia.  Observant motorists may encounter:

• the Squeeze (mostly attempted by motorbikes, squeezing between two vehicles),

• the Vertical Triple (passing three vehicles in one acceleratory movement),

• the Horizontal Double (passing a vehicle that itself is in the process of passing a vehicle), or even

• the rare Double-Double (passing a vehicle at precisely the same time that another vehicle, coming in the other direction, is also engaged in the act of passing).

TAILGATING

What to do when not passing.

ACCIDENTS

Accidents can happen, but they are usually the result of a malfunctioning horn.