Sinetron has an interestingly strong place in the culture here. I just thought it was cheesy soap opera before. Right as the fasting ends, there is a special Muslim show, portrayed as a Sinetron episode, designed to highlight a particular personal virtue in line with Muslim beliefs. Today’s theme was: not being so quick to judge others before you judge yourself.

I thought it was interesting to see it couched in the format of a Sinetron episode. It’s like taking lessons on how to be a good person straight from General Hospital, or One Life to Live. I guess it captivates the imagination well enough to reach a big audience here. There’s not much else on TV, unless you have cable, which I think most Indonesians don’t.

Another superstition was uncovered too, as I made the mistake of whistling after dark. In Java, whistling after dark is an invitation for Satan to come to your house & pay a visit. Hmm. Glad someone told me.