Disciplining spoiled brats

Disciplining spoiled brats

From Suara Karya

Reading an article in Suara Karya (Sunday, May 28 1995) on discipline, my heart sank at the thought of how little discipline there is in Indonesia. But at the same time I was pleased that this particular problem has been given due attention.

The daily Suara Karya reveals that Indonesians' sense of discipline is very low. The way they use public facilities is discouraging and often results in inconvenience, disturbance and sometimes endangers others. Look for example at how the Liga Indonesia (Indonesian Soccer Tournament) is carried out. The tournament is often colored by strong protests, brawls between players, or between players and spectators, and also between fans of one team and those of another.

I am particularly glad to know that many scholars from different fields are turning their attention to the problem of discipline. And not less than President Soeharto himself found it necessary to launch a program called the "national discipline movement." But I have not seen any effort made to teach discipline to young children at schools.

Let me relate an interesting incident I experienced some time ago. When returning home from a foreign country, I was seen by a friend from the Immigration Office. After all procedures were completed, while waiting for my luggage, I gave some chocolates to my friend's children. What baffled me was that after the children finished eating their chocolates they threw the wrappers on the floor, instead of putting it into the waste basket. I think this is the result of a wrong upbringing. The children are spoiled and are most of the time left to the full care of their maids. The children get the wrong concept as they grow. They lack an understanding of responsibility and continue to practice their bad habits.

I believe that discipline should be introduced as early as possible. Discipline is strictly observed in Japan and is taught to children beginning in play group. These children know their duty and how to behave -- sweep floor, form a line and abide by rules within their scope of understanding. In this play group, the children are taught how to respect each other, to help themselves, to cooperate, to smile and make others happy. A hostile pupil will find himself isolated by his fellow pupils. The Japanese are known for their discipline and politeness and kindness towards foreigners.

The Japanese are highly disciplined people. They never observe national events, yet their nationalism is very high. I have learned that the Japanese possess a deep sense of discipline and spirit which has enabled them to achieve a lot.

The sense of discipline, however, cannot be achieved overnight. It requires a long process of education, and the result will only be felt in the next generation.

LUTHFI D MAHFUDZ

Kagoshimashi, Japan