It was with obvious sense of pride that I answered in the affirmative to a question from an ordinary Indonesian at a hotel lounge in Jakarta. His question: "Is it not your country which is home to the holiest shrine to which Muslims the world over turn their face in prayer?" I looked at him with a patronizing smile for further questions which, I thought, would increase his awe and respect for me.
I was, however, quite unprepared for his next question. "Then why some of your folk behave as if they hail from some other parts of the earth? You should know Muslims in every other country look at you Saudis as their role model."
My head, held high until then, hung in shame and embarrassment. I had no answer to give him. Some Malaysians had put the same question to me. Malaysia is one of the countries that preserve the Islamic values most carefully. I have witnessed this in many of my visits and dealings with the people there.
Saudis have been drawn to Indonesia this year in an unprecedented manner. The climate is cool and pleasant, people good-natured, no security risks and above all things are very cheap. Moreover, women and children are not exposed to dangerous situations as is the case in several countries.
The only annoying part is the Saudi tourist himself. He behaves in a way that distorts the image of his country, making people look at him and his country with utter contempt. The quiet hotels in the East have been robbed of their serenity and peace by these tourists.
Arab behavior is the same everywhere — refusal to follow regulations and instructions accompanies them wherever they go. Arab travelers should keep in mind that they represent their country abroad. Others judge their country and culture by their behavior. If you want to be respected you should respect others. If you do not respect others’ sentiments you will have to face several unpleasant situations.
I was sitting in the non-smokers’ lounge in a hotel in Jakarta. There were 10 people from different countries sitting there. Two Saudis, of course not in the traditional garb, started smoking though the smoking was not allowed there. They also started discussing some undesirable things, though in Arabic. Nobody objected to their behavior.
However I noticed several of the guests leaving the lounge in apparent disgust. If anybody behaved in this manner in the United States, Americans would immediately have intervened to stop it. But Indonesians are a gentle people who silently withdrew without protesting. Saudis should obey the regulations wherever they are.
6 August 2002
