Change of mentality

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