Jul. 28 at 8:11 PM
$ALYI
Being Indonesian Means Calling Everyone ‘Mbak’ or ‘Mas’ — Even Strangers
You know you’re Indonesian when you casually call a complete stranger Mbak or Mas like they’re your long-lost cousin. It’s instinct. A deeply ingrained, unspoken social contract that binds us all together in this chaotic yet beautiful archipelago.
At a warteg? “Mbak, nasinya setengah ya.”
In an elevator? “Mas, lantai tiga, ya.”
Accidentally make eye contact with someone at the mall? Boom. Mbak or Mas automatically engaged.
It doesn’t matter if they’re older, younger, or quite literally the same age as you. As long as you’re not sure what to call them, default to Mbak or Mas.
If the person looks slightly older? Mbak and Mas still work.
If they’re visibly younger? Still works. If they’re actually a Bapak or Ibu but look youthful enough? Hey, who’s stopping you?
