In Reply to: Be Careful posted by Cempaka on Saturday, 22. January 2005 at 22:40 Bali Time:
I've been travelling with a Balinese driver when he had money extorted, [no other word would describe it], from him by a police officer. The driver regarded it as robbery and so do I. I thought at the time that if they want to make a bit extra, then take it off the tourists who can afford it, not off their own people, most of whom are scratching to survive.
Their own president has stated that one of his top priorities is stopping corruption. Bambang is talking about one of the traditional practices of some of his own people, not what people of other cultures may think.
I don't have a problem with high opening prices, people getting commissions, or people happily accepting tips for service. Most of us are happy to show our appreciation in a small way, whether it's a taxi driver or a minor govt official. Even some of the antics of the customs officers are amusing more than threatening. But some things go way beyond this.