As a new mom, I don’t have the luxury of holding my bladder for hours on end like I did before I was pregnant. So I have learned to use the public restrooms here in Papua, and after some practice, it is not quite as scary as before. For those of you intending to visit us I thought I would include some tips on how to use such a device.
The first time I walked into an Indonesian bathroom I figured, “I’ve peed in the woods, I can at least aim for a hole. But how far down do I squat? Do I just hover? Do I face the wall, or do I turn around? Why is there no toilet paper? How do I flush? Why is it so wet?”
Truth be told, the first time I used one of these, I got out of there as soon as possible. But now, I have learned a few things and come up with a bathroom kit that I keep in my purse for such occasions. If you don’t have these items, feel free to use the Indonesian way of wrapping up your session, but for now I will explain the American way.
STEP 1: ROLL UP PANT LEGS - OR TAKE PANTS OFF COMPLETELY
In Indonesian culture, wet is equivalent to clean. Thus, when you walk into the WC, don’t be startled when you step into a 1/4 inch puddle of water (Yes, it is quite literally a Water Closet). There are typically hooks in the bathroom there to hold things off the wet floor. I am told Indonesians take their pants off completely and hang their pants on said hooks. This is a time when skirts come in handy.
STEP 2: TAKE YOUR POSITION
Straddle the squatty potty with your back facing the wall. Make sure your feet are secure on the ground (Wet shoes = slippery shoes). Squat down as far as your quads will let you.
SETP 3: SWEET RELIEF
STEP 4: WIPE
Now you would think that this step would be self explanatory, but remember that there is not toilet paper in the bathrooms. So that brings up the question “How do the locals do it?” There is a tub of water that has a dipper in it. I am told that they use that to wash themselves by either pouring water down their backside, or using their left hand to splash water upwards. Remember wet equals clean, so it is not very odd to the culture here to rinse instead of wipe. It is also why they take their pants completely off. It is also why you don’t use your left hand to eat.
STEP 5: DISPOSE OF TP
Do not flush the toilet paper. There is usually a waste basket for you to use, if there is not, I am told that it might be ok to flush the toilet paper. I don’t want to be responsible for creating more plumbing problems, so I bring a baggy with me for back up.
STEP 6: FLUSH
There is no sensor or self flush. In fact there is no water tank at all. So you must take the dipper and pour water down the hole until all evidence is gone.
STEP 7: PACK UP AND LEAVE
If you took your pants off, this is the time to put them back on. Pack up your stuff and go searching for the sink to wash your hands.
STEP 8: WASH HANDS
Often there is a sink close to the toilet, but occasionally you have to go searching for it. At one point, I used the restroom and found the sink on the second floor balcony. Or, give up and use the hand sanitizer in your handy-dandy kit.
STEP 9: PAY
There is a box where you can throw a few coins for using the restroom. This helps cover the bathroom attendant. They are the ones you see pushing water around with a squeegee.
Feel free to visit anytime now that you know how to use the toilets.
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