I adore Indonesia

In recent weeks, I have listened with disgust to the comments of Pauline Hanson in Australia and her apparently racist views. I am appalled at her lack of understanding of people who are not of Anglo descent.

Like the many people who read The Jakarta Post, I have countless Asian friends. They inspire me, educate me and expose me to a diversity of cultures. They also actively contribute to Australia.

While I acknowledge that some Asian countries have very strict rules that would make Ms. Hanson appear like Mary Poppins, it is still inexcusable for Australia to fall below or to equal their standards.

Of course, people are hurting in Australia and as usual, they are looking to blame someone. Pauline Hanson has been whipping up the emotions of these people, but on the whole, her success will be short-lived.

I absolutely adore Indonesia. The people of this fine land have never done anything other than welcome me with open arms. Every time I come to Indonesia, I walk down the back streets of Jakarta and Medan. People ask me to sit and drink coffee with them, they ask me to dinner, and they often ask me to come and stay for the night.

Only last July, no less than 50 people on one street said Selamat pagi, Pak. Apa kabar? (Good morning, Sir. How are you?), in the space of one kilometer. Of course, I was also actively engaging people in conversation.

Indonesia is striving to raise the standard of living for all of its people. Indonesia still has a long way to go. Even within a few kilometers of the central railway station, poverty is evident.

I am touched by the plight of many Indonesians, and I have sponsored many through university and school. I cannot do it all alone.

This letter is to give "The High-Ups the Low Down." Whether you are an Indonesian, Chinese Indonesian or expatriate from any country, I need your help. I want to do more to aid the plight of Indonesia children. In due course, I want to do more to help adults as well.

To paraphrase an old saying: All that is needed for poverty to remain is for good "men" to do nothing. Indonesia needs us. We must not let it down. If you feel you cannot help me, then do something yourself. Reach out to an Indonesian today.

STEPHEN J. DUMBLETON

Queensland, Australia