'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