'Who wants to give up everything for others?'

The central government annually declares a few people heroes for their contributions to the country, although much of their work is not recognized by most people. In commemoration of Hero's Day on Nov. 10, The Jakarta Post asked residents who they deemed heroes.

Sunyoto, 41, is an owner of a foreign language school in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. He lives with his wife and children in Klender, East Jakarta:

It is difficult to find a hero nowadays as everyone works for money, and almost nobody wants to give up their life, money or energy for the sake of others. For me, anyone like that is a hero of our times.

However, an honest police officer or a member of the police's Detachment 88, who risked their life trying to capture Malaysian fugitive Azahari bin Husin and his accomplices, is a hero.

This is based on the fact that they have worked hard and risked their lives despite their meager salary. So, it can more or less be said that these officers don't seek money when they hunt down terrorists. I understand that many will argue that it is their duty to protect people, but that doesn't change the fact that they have served the country and its people.

While many police officers live in luxury, they travel around the country to find terrorists to protect the public.

Putri, 23, is a student of the University of Indonesia in Depok and lives with her family in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta:

I think if a member of society is ever to be declared a hero by the government an honest and loyal teacher or lecturer should be.

I have several brilliant lecturers who have served the university for dozens of years, and they still live modestly. All the students love the way they teach as they always bring something new into the class. It seems to me that they have dedicated their lives to educating others.

And how much you think they earn for their service? It must be much less than many of their former students who have become big names in private companies or government agencies. I don't know how they manage to raise their children or feed their families, but they continue to dedicate their lives to the university.

-- The Jakarta Post