Nationalism and studying abroad

Nationalism and studying abroad

From Bisnis Indonesia

Bisnis Indonesia of Dec.18 carried the articles Jakarta in chaos, MNC reacts and Relocation of shoe factory to Vietnam side by side.

The situation in our country is really saddening. Both factory owners and individuals feel it is not safe to do business or to live in Indonesia, especially Jakarta.

I think the country's leaders and the government apparatus all too often make confusing statements and decisions.

Recently there have been at least two cases: the establishment of a civilian militia and the plan announced by President Habibie to ban studying abroad for elementary and secondary school children.

With regard to studying abroad, if the basis for considering the plan to make the regulation is nationalism and the saving of foreign exchange, does the President already understand the situation and have clear data that studying abroad influences nationalism?

I am convinced that the percentage of elementary and secondary school children studying abroad, calculated from the total number of students, is very small. What is certain is that all parents wish to give their children the best education.

As parents, we are more concerned about the student brawls that take place nearly every day. Moreover, school activities are often disrupted by various riots and social unrest.

Student demonstrations reflecting a strong nationalism take place due to the lack of response from our leaders concerning the country's situation.

What needs to be questioned is whether government officials, both still in power and retired, have a spirit of nationalism to the same extent as students, in particular those who have enjoyed material windfalls as a result of corruption, collusion and nepotism.

YANTO

Jakarta