Sense of humor vital for debate

I would like to thank Francesco of Jakarta for his vitriolic and humorless response (Aug. 27) to my article Xenophobic MP sours race debate in Australia (Aug. 8).

Francesco's response has again reminded me of the sensitivity of cross cultural issue between neighbors. However, I must take Francesco to task on two points.

First, he makes no mention of Dr. M. Dwi Marianto (a close friend, colleague and prominent Indonesian art scholar) in his criticism of the article. This is strange because it was jointly authored

Dr. Marianto has in fact lived with his family for many years in Australia. Together we were careful to craft a balanced, although light-hearted perspective on the Pauline Hanson debate. So why just pick on the bule (white person)?

Further, Francesco raises the question of the recent "embarrassing and immoral" news breaks from Canberra regarding leaked top level government documents which have deeply damaged relations with Australia's Pacific neighbors

Francesco rightly says that this is both hypocritical and disgraceful. I could not agree more. But what Francesco fails to do is honestly look at the subsequent open and public criticism of ordinary Australians toward the dishonorable behavior of their government, which must be, according to any standard, a model of openness in government.

Finally, I will do as Francesco so sarcastically says and "keep researching" (every aspect of life and culture in this great nation of Indonesia), if Francesco promises to do one thing -- develop a sense of humor.

ROB GOODFELLOW (MAS SUJOKO)

Yogyakarta