'Each of us can make small changes'

'Each of us can make small changes'

Indonesia has long held international attention with the
significant role it plays in many multilateral organizations --
such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations and as current president of OPEC -- aside from its
notorious reputation as one of the most corrupt nations in the
world with a poor human rights record. In observance of
Independence Day on Aug. 17, The Jakarta Post asked Jakartans how
they felt about being Indonesian.

Wati, 28, works as a cashier at a convenient store in
Kemandoran, West Jakarta. She lives nearby with her family:

The truth is, I sometimes feel ashamed of being an Indonesian.

Just look at how often it is said that our country is one of
the most corrupt in the world, poor and underdeveloped, and so
on.

I then feel ashamed of feeling ashamed, as it is like
disrespecting the freedom that our founding fathers fought long
and hard to achieve, even by sacrificing their lives.

Every Independence Day, I cannot hide that sense of pride
within me, whenever I see the joy all around and the national
flags flying almost everywhere. I also feel proud whenever I hear
about any accomplishment by Indonesians, like our athletes.

Hendri Lilik, 33, works at a private company on Jl. Gatot
Subroto, West Jakarta. He lives with his wife and two children in
Tangerang:

Of course I'm proud of being Indonesian, why shouldn't I be?

Even if I do sometimes feel ashamed of being an Indonesian,
the fact is, I am an Indonesian, and I cannot change where I was
born or what nationality I am.

So the point now, I guess, is trying to make the best of it.

If we are aware of Indonesia's terrible reputation today, one
way to show our national pride is by acting now to start changing
all that.

We can start from ourselves, and by taking small steps, like
restraining from dishonesty and littering, to make Indonesia
better.

-- The Jakarta Post