I adore Indonesia<\/p>\n
In recent weeks, I have listened with disgust to the comments
\nof Pauline Hanson in Australia and her apparently racist views. I
\nam appalled at her lack of understanding of people who are not of
\nAnglo descent.<\/p>\n
Like the many people who read The Jakarta Post, I have
\ncountless Asian friends. They inspire me, educate me and expose
\nme to a diversity of cultures. They also actively contribute to
\nAustralia.<\/p>\n
While I acknowledge that some Asian countries have very strict
\nrules that would make Ms. Hanson appear like Mary Poppins, it is
\nstill inexcusable for Australia to fall below or to equal their
\nstandards.<\/p>\n
Of course, people are hurting in Australia and as usual, they
\nare looking to blame someone. Pauline Hanson has been whipping up
\nthe emotions of these people, but on the whole, her success will
\nbe short-lived.<\/p>\n
I absolutely adore Indonesia. The people of this fine land
\nhave never done anything other than welcome me with open arms.
\nEvery time I come to Indonesia, I walk down the back streets of
\nJakarta and Medan. People ask me to sit and drink coffee with
\nthem, they ask me to dinner, and they often ask me to come and
\nstay for the night.<\/p>\n
Only last July, no less than 50 people on one street said
\nSelamat pagi, Pak. Apa kabar? (Good morning, Sir. How are you?),
\nin the space of one kilometer. Of course, I was also actively
\nengaging people in conversation.<\/p>\n
Indonesia is striving to raise the standard of living for all
\nof its people. Indonesia still has a long way to go. Even within
\na few kilometers of the central railway station, poverty is
\nevident.<\/p>\n
I am touched by the plight of many Indonesians, and I have
\nsponsored many through university and school. I cannot do it all
\nalone.<\/p>\n
This letter is to give \"The High-Ups the Low Down.\" Whether
\nyou are an Indonesian, Chinese Indonesian or expatriate from any
\ncountry, I need your help. I want to do more to aid the plight of
\nIndonesia children. In due course, I want to do more to help
\nadults as well.<\/p>\n
To paraphrase an old saying: All that is needed for poverty to
\nremain is for good \"men\" to do nothing. Indonesia needs us. We
\nmust not let it down. If you feel you cannot help me, then do
\nsomething yourself. Reach out to an Indonesian today.<\/p>\n
STEPHEN J. DUMBLETON<\/p>\n
Queensland, Australia<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/i-adore-indonesia-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }