Change of mentality

I enjoyed the article (Education: Sad facts in Indonesia, The Jakarta Post, Sept. 26, 2000) by Nirwan Idrus and agree with most of what he wrote regarding the stagnation in education in Indonesia. I particularly agree with the assertion that, "The real problem, which is not only in education, is the unwillingness of Indonesians to accept that they have a contribution to solve the problem. Indeed, they are partly responsible". This is the reason little really changes in Indonesia apart from the names of the beneficiaries of a corruption that thrives on apathy.

My education foundation has established three international- standard schools in Indonesia over the last five years; but when we tried to improve education in a mountain village and in the kampung behind my residence we came up against the egoism, petty- mindedness and greed of officials and former officials and the powerless-feeling of most of the ordinary people to change things. It is these things that, despite all the foreign investment, grants and loans, hold Indonesia back and will continue to do so until the mentality changes.

As Nirwan Idrus indicates, even university rectors cannot set an example; but would rather behave as pawns in the system.

When will Indonesians begin to stand up for themselves? The United States, for instance, is well aware it can bully this country with impunity and pillory it over the Indonesian Military (TNI) assisted atrocities which have resulted in the deaths of foreigners, knowing full well its own heinous crimes committed here against Indonesians in the 1960s are likely never to be brought to light by a subservient, cowed and seemingly powerless people.

Perhaps Nirwan Idrus and others can help demonstrate to this nation that it is courage and persistence that are the prerequisites to an empowerment that leads to a better society and better welfare for all.

FRANK RICHARDSON

Jakarta