I respect my 'bule' husband

I am replying to Ms. Lusiana Hasan's letter What is 'Your Letters' for? (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 4, 1995).

I was shocked to read her letter saying "those women (married to bule) usually come from not so-well educated families".

I should say I come from a very respectable, educated family as both my parents are professionals (a medical doctor and a lawyer), my brothers, sister and I have university degrees. Fortunately for us, our parents were able to send us overseas to get a higher education, and I am proudly married to a bule man.

My husband is very caring, responsible and has a warm and beautiful family too. Both of us respect each other's culture and family values.

I know many Indonesian women who also come from respectable and educated families, and who are married to bule and most of us have jobs in reputable firms with good positions. I am sorry to say that I also know too many Indonesian men who have cheated on their wives and have very narrow minds. I hope this letter will open Ms. Hasan's mind, that not all Indonesian women married to bule are cheap.

As for the racism issue, I have to say I hate racism. But let's admit that it happens everywhere. My sister experienced it once while she was in Australia. One narrow minded Aussie came up to her and yelled "go home Asian!" Still, we do not consider all Australians to be racists.

NIDIA BRAKSTAD

Jakarta