Things need to change here
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