'I would rather be Japanese'<\/p>\n
Indonesians recently celebrated Independence Day on Aug. 17.
\nDespite the festivities, many people still complain about poor
\naccess to education and many important infrastructure projects
\ncontinue to be sidelined by the government. A recent study
\nreveals the country's teacher absenteeism rate is the third-
\nhighest in the world, with low teachers' salaries given as the
\nmain cause. With a reputation worldwide for deep-rooted
\ncorruption and poor human rights protection, The Jakarta Post
\nasked Jakartans how they felt about being Indonesians.<\/p>\n
Astrid, 24, is a student of Bina Nusantara University in West
\nJakarta. She lives at a rented house in Rawa Belong, also in West
\nJakarta:<\/p>\n
No. I am not proud of being Indonesian. There is nothing worth
\nbeing proud of.<\/p>\n
I would prefer to be a Japanese citizen instead. Japan is a
\ndeveloped country. It could be fun becoming a Japanese citizen.
\nBesides, there are many good-looking Japanese guys I could marry.<\/p>\n
Widyawati Djuana, 30, works in the marketing division of a
\nfinancial company at Artha Graha building in South Jakarta. She
\nlives in Karet with her husband and daughter:<\/p>\n
It was my fate to be born Indonesian. I am attached to the
\ncountry. I let it be, then, as I cannot change a thing. I try to
\nlook on the bright side. At least I wasn't born in a poorer
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
When I was a child, I was very proud of being an Indonesian.
\nPeople say that Indonesian people are hospitable and famous for
\nbeing friendly and helpful. But after I grew up, I came to
\nunderstand that most of these statements were untrue.<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/i-would-rather-be-japanese-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }