Javanese culture

Javanese culture
and democracy

Although members of the Javanese community may claim they
represent a "non-confrontational" culture (Javanese culture
barrier to democracy: The Jakarta Post, April 30), it might be
arrogant to not consider the experiences of young girls sold into
prostitution discussed in the following page of the same issue of
the Post (Human trafficking on the rise in East Java).

I do apologize, but non-confrontational people do not take
away the rights of others and hold them for ransom, or place the
price of freedom above the price they were initially sold into
slavery for.

One only need do a little research into the outcome of "non-
confrontational" Javanese codes of conduct to reveal how zealous
pride in our respect for each other and the respectful silence
imposed by parents, teachers and community leaders has turned the
culture into nothing less than a combative culture -- calling on
the assistance of family and friends and authority figures
bearing bamboo spears, machetes, the threat of ostracism, the
appearance of ghosts "that wrestle with Allah", and high-placed
government officials whose lust for money matches their lust for
control.

"Amok" doesn't arise from anything other than respecting
someone you don't respect for just a little too long.

Maybe it's time "traditional" Java realized it.

BRUCE BAGGETT
Jakarta