Indonesian and Western cultures
I would like to comment on the letter from Robert Walker You must have a concept of guilt (Oct. 22). His extremely offensive and presumptuous letter on "guilt" and "selfishness" made my hair stand on end (and that is quite an achievement as I am bald).
Every Indonesian I have met has a deeply ingrained sense of right and wrong, but their interpretation of that in their way of life is not the same as the average Westerner. So what? This is a different culture, and if one is privileged to live in it, then one should accept it -- or leave. It is not the expatriate's job to convert others to a Western way of life; and, if they do, just think what the West has to offer.
I am 67-years-old and until last year had always lived in England. For the last five years I did not dare go out at night because it was too dangerous, for as an old person, I was a prime target for thieves and robbers. (Having been beaten and robbed twice, I speak from experience.) My home was burglarized three times in six months. Working in schools, hospitals or churches is a very dangerous occupation -- teachers, doctors, nurses and priests are frequently assaulted.
In the West, we have beggars lining our city streets. Vandalism, graffiti and violent crime is rife. Drugs of all kinds are readily available in any town or village. As for corruption, it may not be as open as in Southeast Asia, but just try and find a poor politician -- national or local.
I would agree that our driving standards are higher than those in Indonesia, but when it comes to pollution that is a very different story. CS gases, disposal of nuclear waste and massive dump sites for waste all around our larger cities are certainly nothing to be proud of.
If anyone challenges this assessment, they only have to read any daily newspaper from England for the national problems and any local city paper for the multitudinous crime stories.
When it comes to bleating, I think Mr. Walker has a lot to learn. Maybe Indonesia can learn some things from the West -- in its own time. However, I am quite certain that the West could learn much it has forgotten from Indonesia, not least of which is family values and respect for the individual.
BILL STARR
Jakarta