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