Things need to change here
The article Indonesia mentally ill (Nov. 16) was the best article I ever read in The Jakarta Post It pinpoints very clearly the enormous immoral and lawless state this country is in. Although I wholeheartedly agree with D. Chandramouli (the Post, Nov. 20) that most Indonesians are friendly, kindhearted and gracious, my experience is that underneath this pleasant exterior, controversial behavior has its way.
The interpretation of the Indonesian mentality is therefore a tricky one. D. Chandramouli further states that Indonesians are standing up to truth and justice.
Don't make laugh! The person with the most money and influence wins his case in court. Army and police can be bought to do dirty jobs or close their eyes. In virtually all layers of this society is a breathtaking corruption going on.
These facts are common knowledge and taken for granted by everybody so it seems. However, they should be taken into consideration by anyone who wants to invest money in this country. As a rather harsh conclusion, you come close qualifying for the status of anarchy.
Indonesians are tolerant according to D. chandramouli. I would state that they are an indifferent nation. Where was the collective reaction of disgust, anger and disapproval from the Indonesians that could have been expected when almost 200 foreigners were killed by Indonesian terrorists in Bali? Nowhere to be seen or heard.
Vice President Hamzah Haz keeps on protecting persons with dangerous extremist Muslim views, and openly denies these organizations exist even when proven they are present in Indonesia. No collective disapproval after these statements was shown.
Who wants to risk his money in a country that is governed by a man with such erratic views?
At this moment thousands of expatriate children are at home, because international schools have been closed due to due to risks of a possible terrorist attack. Imagine yourself for a moment in the situation of all the thousands of expatriate parents. Try to grab their feeling of fear and worry for their children, who are at risk in a country where there is no functioning law and order.
Try to look at the situation from their point of view, and be aware that very many are at this moment considering leaving Indonesia, because they can't cope with the uncertainties and fear of losing their children.
Do you think this situation creates an attractive investment climate and a positive mindset among foreigners about Indonesia? You should know better than that.
The Post must keep on confronting the Indonesian and expatriate people with the bitter reality like they did in the article Indonesia mentally ill. It won't create cynicism as states D. Chandramouli, but eventually will generate the awareness among the Indonesians that things really need to change in this country at a much higher speed than up till now.
MARC JENSEN, Jakarta