Folklore competition

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