'Each of us can make small changes'<\/p>\n
Indonesia has long held international attention with the
\nsignificant role it plays in many multilateral organizations --
\nsuch as the Non-Aligned Movement, the Association of Southeast
\nAsian Nations and as current president of OPEC -- aside from its
\nnotorious reputation as one of the most corrupt nations in the
\nworld with a poor human rights record. In observance of
\nIndependence Day on Aug. 17, The Jakarta Post asked Jakartans how
\nthey felt about being Indonesian.<\/p>\n
Wati, 28, works as a cashier at a convenient store in
\nKemandoran, West Jakarta. She lives nearby with her family:<\/p>\n
The truth is, I sometimes feel ashamed of being an Indonesian.<\/p>\n
Just look at how often it is said that our country is one of
\nthe most corrupt in the world, poor and underdeveloped, and so
\non.<\/p>\n
I then feel ashamed of feeling ashamed, as it is like
\ndisrespecting the freedom that our founding fathers fought long
\nand hard to achieve, even by sacrificing their lives.<\/p>\n
Every Independence Day, I cannot hide that sense of pride
\nwithin me, whenever I see the joy all around and the national
\nflags flying almost everywhere. I also feel proud whenever I hear
\nabout any accomplishment by Indonesians, like our athletes.<\/p>\n
Hendri Lilik, 33, works at a private company on Jl. Gatot
\nSubroto, West Jakarta. He lives with his wife and two children in
\nTangerang:<\/p>\n
Of course I'm proud of being Indonesian, why shouldn't I be?<\/p>\n
Even if I do sometimes feel ashamed of being an Indonesian,
\nthe fact is, I am an Indonesian, and I cannot change where I was
\nborn or what nationality I am.<\/p>\n
So the point now, I guess, is trying to make the best of it.<\/p>\n
If we are aware of Indonesia's terrible reputation today, one
\nway to show our national pride is by acting now to start changing
\nall that.<\/p>\n
We can start from ourselves, and by taking small steps, like
\nrestraining from dishonesty and littering, to make Indonesia
\nbetter.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/each-of-us-can-make-small-changes-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }