'I would rather be Japanese'

'I would rather be Japanese'

Indonesians recently celebrated Independence Day on Aug. 17.
Despite the festivities, many people still complain about poor
access to education and many important infrastructure projects
continue to be sidelined by the government. A recent study
reveals the country's teacher absenteeism rate is the third-
highest in the world, with low teachers' salaries given as the
main cause. With a reputation worldwide for deep-rooted
corruption and poor human rights protection, The Jakarta Post
asked Jakartans how they felt about being Indonesians.

Astrid, 24, is a student of Bina Nusantara University in West
Jakarta. She lives at a rented house in Rawa Belong, also in West
Jakarta:

No. I am not proud of being Indonesian. There is nothing worth
being proud of.

I would prefer to be a Japanese citizen instead. Japan is a
developed country. It could be fun becoming a Japanese citizen.
Besides, there are many good-looking Japanese guys I could marry.

Widyawati Djuana, 30, works in the marketing division of a
financial company at Artha Graha building in South Jakarta. She
lives in Karet with her husband and daughter:

It was my fate to be born Indonesian. I am attached to the
country. I let it be, then, as I cannot change a thing. I try to
look on the bright side. At least I wasn't born in a poorer
country.

When I was a child, I was very proud of being an Indonesian.
People say that Indonesian people are hospitable and famous for
being friendly and helpful. But after I grew up, I came to
understand that most of these statements were untrue.

--The Jakarta Post