'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