Sexual attitude

Sexual attitude

If we are discussing sexual attitudes in Indonesia today,
let's set the record straight. After having read yet another
article pertaining to this topic in Sunday's The Jakarta Post on
Aug. 20, 2000, again western influence bears the brunt. If that
being the case, are we saying that Indonesians cannot make up
their own minds and decisions on how to control and monitor their
own preconceptions and beliefs on moral standards? If people here
in Indonesia have these preconceived ideas that western influence
dominates or directs their society's sexual attitude, then they
must rethink.

Indonesia is a country that over the years has kept its
beliefs and cultures, which have molded and created the name of
Indonesia today. It is also respected around the world for its
noted religion.

If one has seen or lived in various countries, one will find
everyone goes their own way, following their own set of beliefs,
rules and regulations. Outside influence is merely used as a tool
to keep in with fellow neighbors. But it does not strip us of who
we really are, our national standing or cultures and beliefs. We
don't see aborigines in Australia donning the latest fashion
trends from Paris. We don't see housewives in Saudi Arabia
donning bikinis or hot pants on the streets, and we don't see the
Americans donning Muslim dress. People follow in line with their
own nation's code of ethics. However, what we do repeatedly hear
in Jakarta is people talking about Indonesia's outside influence,
or should I say western influence.

Let's take a look at Singapore with its conglomeration of
various races and cultures. Yet, as a unified country, they live
quite well as one. We can see the individualism among the
different people, and it goes to show there, that they can live
accordingly, despite different beliefs and cultures. Mixed races
living together, salute Singapore. So let's be reasonable here,
by saying Indonesian sexual attitudes are changing because, they
want to change. Modern day society constitutes change and growth.
Without one, we cannot have the other.

Indonesia, like other countries, is a youthful and strong
growing country, if we shelve its political and economic
disputes. As for sexual attitudes changing here, it is because
the people and the times wish for them to change. Western
influence is just an excuse.

Anywhere the world over, one will find a man cheating on his
wife and it does not become a paper headline. But if it is the
woman cheating on the man, it may read as scandal. On a personal
note, I believe what's good for the goose, is good for the
gander. (However, I'm old fashioned when it comes to love).

To put it all in a nutshell: what goes on in other countries
does go on here also, in one way or another. Western influence
has nothing to do with Indonesia's sex attitudes; people must
choose to do what they want to do. Outside influence is merely
used as a scapegoat when controversy arises on this issue.

C. PARRY

Jakarta