[bumble1290]

My partner is Indonesian and has just started working for a national sporting body in Indonesia. I'm an exapt working for a multi national company in Indonesia. My partner is becoming increasingly alarmed with what she describes as inapproporate behaviour in the workplace. To give you a few expamples of what she means. She is contracted to work every other weekend, on the weekend she is not working, her boss starts sending her messages early AM along the lines of are you awake, I just fancy chatting to someone as this is a long drive. Then one evening at 22:20 another message asking "Are you asleep?". I find this very inappropriate as I'm not sure what is that urgent at 22:20 in the evening that cannot wait until the following morning.

My partner is a very attractive woman and does attract a bit of attention, but she is a bit perturbed when staff in the office say things to her like "I think he likes you" and "when we going out to dinner with me", but to name a few of the things being said. Being the new person in the office she is obviously treading very lightly and has brushed these comments off by saying behave yourself or I have a partner. Although they seem to pay no attention to her about this.

Now if something like this happened in my company action would be taken as we do not tollerate sexual harassment of any kind. But in Indonesia it appears these sort of rules do not apply, so going to HR when you're the new person, may not be seen as you are wanting to fruitful career in this industry, nor would I think they would act on it.

So I'm asking for any tips from you guys and girls on how you would best go about trying to defuse these types of comments and messages as I've stated before the same rules in relation to sexual harassment in the western world do not seem to apply in Indonesia and "behave yourself" and "I have a partner" just aren't cutting it.

Anything you can tell me, without be blatently rude will be greatly appreciated.

[Fr_Chuck]

Not really up on the culture there, but I would say for now, just don't answer the text and just see if they stop.

[bumble1290]

Different world up here in relation to HR rules and regulations. I advised her to not reply to the messages, but this is her boss doing this.