Ibu Tinern recalled a brief interlude of familial care in a lifetime of emotional
deprivation and vulnerability. Others spoke of the Dutch household as a place
of shelter and economic security. References to Dutch care could tacitly-and
sometimes overtly-provide commentary on the unfulfilled promises of the paternalistic
New Order regime. Many compared the relative security of the Dutch
era (znriznrz Belnrzdn) to the uncertainties of Indonesia's globalized economy.
Although paid little under the Dutch, they said they could be sure of a secure
income and food to eat. Yet unease with even veiled criticism of the state was
such that one woman, after comparing Dutch money to what she called "worthless"
money now, expressed anxiety that the Indonesian member of our team
present would report her to the police.