Folklore competition

As an American with more than a passing interest in the English language folklore, I took special note of your report on July 2, 1999, on the folklore competition in Bogor.

I was saddened and angered to read that the winners had been denied their rewards. What lesson are these young men and women of Indonesia to learn from this?

(a) We are not to trust our compatriot elders, leaders, and sponsors to honor their commitments;

(b) When we finish our education and assume positions of responsibility we are not to be concerned if we fail to perform our duties diligently and honorably -- there is no penalty.

On the face of it, the organizers of this national competition have committed a fraud, and should be condemned for it.

MICHAEL MCLANE

Jakarta