In Reply to: But you are guest in there country posted by Ferret on Thursday, 28. May 2009 at 18:51 Bali Time:
..they are slowly paralyzing any chance to break out of their own circle of poverty. Four years ago, (just to give one example) an entire container of medical supplies and equipment meant for a hospital in Karangasem, arranged by friend of mine (himself a Doctor), was held up for 1-1/2 years(!!!) because he had neglected to deal with a particular customs official in the way that she was accustomed (not enough bribe money). Indonesians themselves often complain bitterly about these kinds of prctices. And remember, most of the people who demand bribes from tourists are themselves being squeezed by others higher up on the pecking order. Nope; third world, schmird world, no excuse for this.