7 Tips to drive in Indonesia

Hi!

 

Have you driven a car, a motorcycle, or a scooter in Indonesia?
How was it?

You might be nervous when you drive in Indonesia for the first time, but after a while, you’ll get used to it. ;)

 

If you are a good driver in your country, I know you can also drive in Indonesia. I won’t mention the rules and tips that are common.

 

7 tips to drive in Indonesia

 

1.       Don’t forget to drive on the left of the street

      In Indonesia, you drive on the left side of the street. The steer of the car is on the right hand side.

 

2.       Be careful of motorbikes

      Motorbikes are everywhere. They overtake you from your left and right. So please be extra cautious.

 

3.       Have your car/motorbike STNK with you when you drive

      STNK (Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan) is a Vehicle Registration Certificate. Without one, your car or motorbike could be considered illegal.

      Every now and then the police pull every vehicle to check its STNK.

 

4.       Have your driving license and a copy of your passport with you

      Just in case, always have a driving license and a copy of your passport with you. The police usually check them when they pull you over.

 

5.       Don’t drive too slow

      The best speed is when you drive at the same speed as the other normal cars or motorbikes.

 

6.       Pay attention to the arrow at the traffic lights

      When you want to turn left and there’s no arrow on the red light, you can just turn left even if it’s red. Usually there’s a blue sign below the traffic light: Belok kiri jalan terus (turn left go ahead).

 

7.       Pray a lot

      I think one of the best tips that I can give you is pray a lot. We need God’s protection over us, especially in this kind of traffic.

Here’s a bonus tip.

How to cross a busy street?

 

Put your right arm forward as high as your shoulder to cross the street

Cars and motorbikes don’t always stop when you’re about to cross the street. They will go on, but when you put your right hand forward as high as your shoulder, most of the time, they will stop for you.

 

One word that my mom always say before I leave the house as a goodbye or see you again, “Hati-hati”. It means “Be careful”.

 

As what my mom told me, I would also say the same thing to you, “Hati-hati”.

 

Love,

Mama Bahasa