'I'm proud to be Indonesian'

Indonesia commemorated its 59th year of independence on Aug. 17. The young democracy has made some progress, but deep-rooted corruption has slowed economic development and hampered efforts to establish reliable executive, legislative and judicial institutions. Many experts say corruption is part of the culture of Indonesia. The Jakarta Post asked Jakartans how they felt to be Indonesian.

Pung Harsono, 51, is a staff member of the Bung Karno sports complex management body. He lives in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta:

I am proud to be Indonesian. I acknowledge that our country has many weaknesses in human resources, the economy and other sectors.

But this should not make us ashamed to be Indonesian. Many other countries are worse off than Indonesia.

Take Iraq as an example. Although the United States and its allies treated it as their common enemy and bombarded the country, the people are still proud to be Iraqis.

I am optimistic that we will be able to solve our problems as long as we work hard in our respective capacities. I think the question should not be how we feel to be Indonesian, but what each of us has done for the country.

Sofril Amir, 34, is an architect with the Science, Aesthetics, and Technology Foundation in South Jakarta. He lives in Cipete, also in South Jakarta:

There are many things that make me proud to be Indonesian. One of them is that we are now in the process of becoming a democracy and people can express their opinions freely.

This country has many people who are struggling to overcome the various difficulties the country is facing.

I am not referring to the politicians, mind you, but the workers and non-governmental organizations who continue to fight to resume the reform process.

I do not believe that I am alone in being proud to be Indonesian. Look around us, there are people who are still enthusiastic about participating in the commemoration of Independence Day. Not only by raising a flag, but also by decorating their neighborhoods. For me, such activities reflect how proud they are to be Indonesian.

--The Jakarta Post