Bureaucracy persists

I sometimes get frustrated, especially when dealing with government regulations in this country. The last frustrating incident was when I went to the Directorate of Advanced Education. I graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, USA, 11 years ago. I wanted to get my American certificate recognized in Indonesia before beginning postgraduate work at the University of Indonesia.

The directorate's reply made me very frustrated as there was no way my certificate could be recognized.

They asked me so many things that it was impossible for me to comply, especially showing the American Visa and sponsorship I received 11 years ago. I tried to explain everything in the hope that they would change their mind, but they did not even though my certificate was legalized by the Indonesian Consulate in Houston.

They said I had never studied at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, but only "played" and purchased the certificate. Doesn't the directorate know how to detect a false certificate?

I worked hard to get my degree and deserve to have equal recognition.

PARLINDUNGAN SIBARANI

Jakarta