Oddities in Tropical Countries

In Western you often find peoples wearing a suit, walking to their office, and using a bicycle to work. It is common in the countries which have mild weather and cold temperature. However, it is becoming odd when peoples in tropical countries do the same things.

Photo: cnnindonesia.com

In the warm temperature and hot weather, wearing a suit will make you drenched in sweat. I think it's weird for looking peoples in tropical countries dress up like western peoples. How can you be comfortable wearing that outfit? Just wanted to look like a westerner is a bad idea. You must be rational in thinking and acting.

Not only about wearing a suit, but tropical peoples also build a wide sidewalk. Their government hopes more peoples walk and even go to the office by walk. Come on, how could you walk with a thick coat under the sun? It's not like in European Countries Pal. You do not only get sweat when arrived at the office, I believe you will get stress and tired too.

Furthermore, bike to work becoming a campaign that spread to the entire world. It is an attempt to reduce global warming. Riding a bike is expected to reduce pollution and fuel usage, but in countries with humid air and a warm temperature, it doesn't make sense.

In developed countries, the distance between residence and office is close. A short distance with cool temperature is suitable for using a bicycle as transportation. But in tropical countries especially in developing countries, the distance from dwelling to the office is not close. Generally, they are a commuter society. Live in the outskirt and work to the downtown. So, you can imagine if they using a bicycle to work. Bike to work is not effective in an environment like this.

It is important to pay attention to ecological conditions in formulating public policy. Policy can't be applied equally to all countries. We have to adapt the policy, not just copy-paste. It would be better if we think globally but act locally. However, local wisdom and indigenous knowledge are precious.