Javanese culture
\nand democracy<\/p>\n
Although members of the Javanese community may claim they
\nrepresent a \"non-confrontational\" culture (Javanese culture
\nbarrier to democracy: The Jakarta Post, April 30), it might be
\narrogant to not consider the experiences of young girls sold into
\nprostitution discussed in the following page of the same issue of
\nthe Post (Human trafficking on the rise in East Java).<\/p>\n
I do apologize, but non-confrontational people do not take
\naway the rights of others and hold them for ransom, or place the
\nprice of freedom above the price they were initially sold into
\nslavery for.<\/p>\n
One only need do a little research into the outcome of \"non-
\nconfrontational\" Javanese codes of conduct to reveal how zealous
\npride in our respect for each other and the respectful silence
\nimposed by parents, teachers and community leaders has turned the
\nculture into nothing less than a combative culture -- calling on
\nthe assistance of family and friends and authority figures
\nbearing bamboo spears, machetes, the threat of ostracism, the
\nappearance of ghosts \"that wrestle with Allah\", and high-placed
\ngovernment officials whose lust for money matches their lust for
\ncontrol.<\/p>\n
\"Amok\" doesn't arise from anything other than respecting
\nsomeone you don't respect for just a little too long.<\/p>\n
Maybe it's time \"traditional\" Java realized it.
\n
\n BRUCE BAGGETT
\n Jakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/javanese-culture-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}