My husband and me in Tondano.

Somehow I feel more there than in any other places I’ve ever been (or the one I’ve heard on the news) in Indonesia. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure every places has things that makes them special, and since I spent most of my childhood and half of my adult times in Manado (North Sulawesi), so I know what special about this place and here are some reasons why I make that statement above.

1. Religion Tolerance. From my experience, Manado has GREAT religion tolerance. Even though we’re so close with Palu, but we’re so thankful that the terrible events that happened there didn’t occurred in my beloved Manado. There were times we were so worried by all the rumors that wars between religion was gonna happen soon, but then all the religion gathered together instead and working together to prevent those bad things to happen. Muslim will guard the Church during the Christmas service, and vice versa. Also, before the government made it legal to celebrate Imlek, as long as I remember, Manado has always celebrate it from years and years before.

2. Women’s Right. Many years before the Dutch came, before Indonesian was formed, and before we knew about R.A Kartini. Manado (Minahasa) already had women leader in their tribes. Then we have Maria Walanda Maramis, that many Manado believed should be the one that be called as the pioneer instead of R.A Kartini. However, I don’t really have opinion about this matter because I still need to do more research.

3. Democracy. Indonesian had been through the era where democracy isn’t really applied even though we always stated that’s always our country’s foundation. But according to Manado (Minahasa) history, that we already apply that hundred and hundred years ago. Before Indonesian was exist, Minahasa tribes choose their leaders by voting. What made it possible is probably because we never became a part of any Indonesian/ Asian Kingdom. We once part of Holland’s province though but that’s another story.

4. Open Minded. According to the story of my grandparents and some people who lived in Dutch Colonial era. Minahasa people never really experience war with Holland. Minahasa people were always curious and open minded to other culture even to new religion, that’s why they were welcoming and so open minded with the Dutch. They got rewarded by becoming one of the Dutch’s province. Many years later, they even welcome the Muslim who came from Java. They didn’t mind that their women got married and became Muslim. There were places in Tondano (around 40 minutes from Manado) called Kampung Jawa, even though they have Javanese descendant they talked with traditional Tondano’s language, while the young generation of the “pure” Tondanonese couldn’t speak and understand the language anymore.

5. Equal. In Minahasa culture, everyone are equal. Woman and man, rich and poor even master and maid. So, when the master eating lunch/dinner, the maid will eating at the same time, at the same chair and table, eating the same food. They will watch TV together in the living room and the maid will sitting on chair, unless they have very comfy carpet, even the masters will lay down on it too. Most of the time, master and maid will call each other with first names.

6. No Title. Many times you’ll hear the younger sister called her oldest brother with their first names, even sometimes to their uncle/ aunt. They also address others as “You”. Some people might think it’s rude or impolite, but to us it’s a symbol of how close the relationship are, and being an older brother or sister doesn’t mean you have the right to order the youngest around. No seniority. Period. Although, this seemed started to changed, some people started to get offended when the youngest one doesn’t address them to something more respectful.

7. Expressive. Yes, Manado people are more expressive and dare in taking risk. It’s not strange to see the kids voice their opinion or having disagreement with their parents. When they think the parents are wrong, they’ll say it. It’s rare to hear someone decided to not get marry with someone their love just because their parents say no. Although, when the marriage turned into disaster, they often said, “I wish I obey my parents.” We’re also too honest that we might hurt other’s feeling. If they see you wear something that they think doesn’t fit you, they will say that right in front of your face, sometimes even in front of many people.

8. Right equal Left. It’s usually fine when you handling something to us with your left hand. But because now more and more people go around the country and realize that in some part of Indonesia, it is unacceptable when you use your left hand like that, it started to apply in Manado. So, yes to some people now right hand is the “polite” hand.

9. Not Anti America. American and all western people no need to be afraid of travel warning when visit to Manado. Manado people usually welcome American, in fact they’re proudly to state that they love everything about America.They always picture America as the symbol of freedom and they wanted to be like one. When the 9/11 happened, thousands of people gathered and praying for all the victims. So, does it mean they love America probably because they’re Christian? No. For example, when the Tsunami killed many people in Aceh, many of churches in Minahasa held a special prayer for them.

10. Semen Leven. When you living together outside marriage, you don’t have to worry that your “Kepala Desa” or “Pak Lurah” or “Pak RT” will knock on your door and asked you to get marry soon because your act makes your neighbors uncomfortable. People will still gossiping about you, but usually they will getting used to your lifestyle and will start gossiping other people instead and I won’t surprise that you’ll join them.

11. Driver are nicer. Of course I met some A**HOLE driver from public transportation, but most of them are nice. They willing to help you find where you need to go. If you new in town or if you regularly passenger, they don’t mind to take you RIGHT in front of your home. When you’re inside the bus at the terminal and realize that you need a drink, the driver or his “kondektur” will get the drinks (or snacks) for you, with your own money of course and you don’t need to pay them. They won’t asked you to step out the bus in the middle of nowhere without giving your money back. Unlike some driver in Kopaja Jakarta that kicked me out several times and not even giving my money back. AArrrggghh.

Well, that’s all I can think of right now. Of course there are others thing to love, like the ocean, the mountain, the view and ESPECIALLY the food. Also, there are things that I don’t really proud of, but nothing is perfect, right?

So, wanna move and live in Manado instead?