Letter to the President
Jan 3rd, 2008, in Opinion, by Guest WriterA letter to president SBY questioning the Indonesian mentality.
Dear Bapak President
Yang Terhormat Bapak President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,
It must be an unenviable job to be the President of the Republic of Indonesia. I mean who ever thanks the President for anything especially when matters seem to head in a different direction than the one intended?
Your team must be earnestly strategising the next Presidential elections for you. I hope my letter will reach you in time. As always, you have to refute the smear campaigns and face all that mud slinging, especially when it is done in a democratic environment like Indonesia.
You would be ill advised if you use the same manifesto that led you to your first victory. Avoid blaming it on the Economy like Mr. Clinton did because that would incriminate your establishment. You have to use a different strategy.
How about using this slogan instead?
It’s the mentality, stupid.
Also, avoid mentioning the state ideology Pancasila because that too could do some damage and be to your disadvantage.
You could take heed from George Aiken, who said:
If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was the same race, creed and color, we would find some other causes for prejudice by noon.
See Bapak President, it is a common human trait to find other causes even though you would graciously give your opponents a handicap in the run up.
Accuse your opponents as Aburizal Bakrie wannabe’s, terrorist sympathisers, bigots, religious hypocrites, political rogues, liars and maligners all – that it is their mentality that impedes nation building and prosperity in Indonesia. That it is their diabolical mentality that has repeatedly wrought unspeakable tribulations upon the rakyat.
That it is not your previous appointment as President that caused earthquakes, tsunami, mudflows, floods, landslides and the volcanoes to erupt. On the contrary it was their stupid collective mentality that caused nature to belch. I am sure that Mr. Gore will gladly support you and declare that it was all the hot air from your opponents that is the cause of Indonesian climate change and calamities.
Should you find this suggestion interesting and of any use in your forthcoming campaign, please direct a few of your campaign staff to register at Indonesia Matters. You see, over at Indonesia Matters, there is a cool collection of mentality missiles that your campaign strategists could use.
I quote a few examples of mentality that can be found at IM.
Comment by Andrew: “¦ widespread mentality in Indonesia – a “mumpung” mentality
Comment by oaklandgirl: “¦ of the 3rd world mentality of religion.
Comment by Hairays: “¦ like the mob mentality”¦uncivilised, ready to “¦
Comment by zalech: “¦ in the stone age mentality and barbaric culture of “¦
Comment by Raden: “¦ this is Indonesian mentality.
Comment by Czeslaw: “¦ his paranoid hate mentality.
Comment by buruh migran: “¦ Look out the mentality of these men..
Comment by luphIndo: “¦ by Arabs- mentality.
Comment by Andrew: “¦ else” mentality. Blaming others.
Comment by Abdul Khalid al Jumhuri: “¦ is the oppressive mentality
Comment by Dimp: “¦ self esteem+mob mentality = tendency for violence. “¦
Comment by Bas: “¦ in the Indonesian mentality to kill opposants.
Comment by Dimp: “¦ have mob mentality.
Comment by Parvita: “¦ do not have the mentality to be a scientist, a thinker,
Comment by Tomaculum: “¦ by the corrupt mentality of many Indonesian.
Comment by Niamh Piperman: “¦ a colonialist mentality.
Comment by El Gran Combo Puertorico: “¦ holier-than-thou mentality
Comment by Cukurungan: “¦ their 7th century mentality and laziness
Comment by Robert: “¦ know where the mob mentality comes from in Indonesia
Comment by Dragonwall: “¦ display the low mentality
Comment by Bas: “¦ that dictatorial mentality.
Comment by Colson: “¦ lack of democratic mentality and attitude
Comment by Shiva: “¦ It is this type of mentality and deciet
Comment by Ross: “¦ to the ugly mentality of such Islamists.
Comment by Sylvester: “¦ the indon worker mentality. Many of them are lazy.
Comment by Jayabaya: “¦ such as corruption mentality
Comment by Odinius: “¦ or intolerant mentality
Comment by Peter: “¦ is the classic mob mentality of many Indonesians
Comment by ausdag: “¦ the narrow-minded mentality
Comment by Foundation One: “¦ “in-group mentality”
Comment by Raden: “¦ rampant corruption mentality
Comment by Anita McKay: “¦ the laid-back mentality
Comment by perseus: “¦ rip-off mentality
Bapak President, just in case you may need a few more –
– begging mentality
– “fixing” things mentality
– King and commoner mentality
– Barbaric mentality
– Mediocre mentality
While the campaign is in your favour, tell them even though America is regarded as the most powerful nation, America too faces a mentality problem. Tell them what George Santayana said but with your astute leadership, Indonesia will not become mentality-enfeebled and for some other George to say the same thing about Indonesia.
America is a young country with an old mentality
Bapak President, you would of course know that when it comes to choosing a winner, it is all in the mind simply because the mind so chooses to believe only in what it chooses to believe in. Twits being the only exception.
Implore the rakyat not to be twits like your opponents. Twirl the rakyat’s minds around your fingers about the disgraceful, degrading and disastrous mentality of your opponents. And most importantly, ensure that you make the rakyat’s minds choose what you believe in.
Once again, Mr. President, you need a clear, cogent and strong strategy to win. It must be one that resonates from Aceh to Zbolo (don’t ask me where it is).
I wish you success.
45 Comments on “Letter to the President”
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perseus says:
Indonesia’s borders lie where they do largely because of colonialism. This is a huge problem in Africa and the Middle East. A whole pile of true ethnic nations fall across colonial lines. The Kurds should have their own country but they are oppressed minorities in Turkey and Iran and bodyguards of choice in Iraq. Countless African tribes are split on either side of Scramble for Africa lines. As for Indonesia, you could argue that naturally speaking it should be dozens of countries not one. So should it break up? I think this would cause chaos frankly. I think the push by the present government for more local autonomy and to push more power down to the local and regional levels is the only way to keep Indonesia together. Of course, if you push power down locally you have to accept the consequences of that – like sharia or near sharia in Aceh. You will probably get official hedonism in Bali and Jakarta 🙂 and all manner of shades in between everywhere else.
Certainly the loss of East Timor seems to have resulted in more sensitivity to this minorities in Indonesia and this can only be a good thing. Indonesia to survive needs to be a secular state that does not permit local ethnic minorities to be flooded and diluted by excessive internal migration. Indonesia’s recent democratic reforms are paying off in terms of increased diplomatic status and recognition – as evidence the recent invitation for Indonesia to participate in the summit on Israel / Palestine relations.
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Pulutan says:
Perseus: Blaming colonial boundries is an old and tired leftist argument. It’s the White Man’s guilt complex. And it’s utterly ridiculous. Ethnic groups have been at war with each other forever and long before nation states (as we know them today) existed. Different ethnic groups fight each other if they are together within the same boundries or separated by them. Is there anyone who believes that there would be less fighting in this world if each culture, ethnic group or tribe would be it’s own “country”?
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Achmad Sudarsono says:
Pulutan,
I think it’s better if you study Pancasila a bit. You will see things more clearly then. Please don’t make divisive comments that undermine the unity of our nation.
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iamisaid says:
WP said:
The truth being that as a nation Indonesia is and was, from the beginning, an impossible project.
perseus said:
So should it break up? I think this would cause chaos frankly.
pulutan said:
Is there anyone who believes that there would be less fighting in this world if each culture, ethnic group or tribe would be it’s own “country”?
Achmad Sudarsono said:
I think it’s better if you study Pancasila a bit. You will see things more clearly then.
Good Morning to all,
I woke up to read an interesting opinions at this article. I thank all for that and in particular to WP who started the discussion with his opinion that for whatever Indonesia is, it is simply not manageable.
WP also rounded it off very neatly by stating:
There is not much I, nor the whole bunch of us, can do to change that. But at least I can tell you the truth.
perseus ponders on the spectre of mayhem should Indonesia be split into a United Nations of Indonesia in another way to call it.
pulutan stresses his point that ethnic groups have been at war since time immemorial; what more if these were countries, would it augur peace?
My comment:
The reality is Indonesia is. And that is how Indonesia has to be approached, warts and all.
The possibility that Indonesia evolves into something else is left to be seen.For a nation as populous and diverse as Indonesia with a geographic stretch that is 5,120 kilometers from east to west and 1,760 kilometers from north to south. Surrounded by seas that is four times its land mass.
As a counter comparison, there exist smaller sized nations that we know of but are on the brink of being failed and endangered states. So does size matter? I guess not.
What matters is that the people who rule the land are able statesmen. Persons above moral reproach. Persons who have what it takes to lead a nation. The existence of a live, pragmatic and unifying philosophy that transcends race, colour, religion, age and gender.
An attitude that fosters not prejudice, not suspiscion and not hatred but one that is positive and it speaks a common theme that says, “this is our land, our home, we live here and we die here – let’s do it in peace”Lives there such persons out of the millions in Indonesia who can part the waters and lead Indonesian through the redemptive path like did Moses of biblical reference?
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WP says:
Hello again!
iamisaid: So does size matter? I guess not.
You’re wrong, really. Your management overhead increases with the size. The logic of this is so obvious (at least to me).
What matters is that the people who rule the land are able statesmen.
You are presuming that we have the right pre-condition to grow such statesmen. I don’t beleive we do. Even if we assume some of IMers are so wise and smart that they can make able statesmen, it is naive to assume that Indonesia can be steered by a handful of statesmen. We still have the entire sick but HUGE political machinery which will obstruct our way. Do you think e.g. the NU and muhamadiyah will listen to us just because we are (assumed) wise? They prefer to listen to Gus Dur, that alone says much. In the aftermath, you will not last longer than a month as a president; if you make it at all to the presidency.
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Welcome back WP,
You’re wrong, really. Your management overhead increases with the size. The logic of this is so obvious (at least to me).
It’s not so much an issue of right or wrong. We’re proferring opinions really.
In that context “opinions” I took it to mean from your response, to quote:
Given how the pieces are laid, and how the real terrains are, there is no way we can muster sufficient “collective mentality”, “collective intelligence”, “collective cohesiveness”, or whatever you want to call them, needed as a pre-condition for a successful nation.
that it means the vastness and diversity of the land would make it next to impossible to achieve success.
Hence, my answer to that given understanding of mine that there are smaller in size compared to Indonesia that are considered failed and endangered.
Unless of course, I failed to comprehend your earlier response, then my reasoning does not correspond.
You are presuming that we have the right pre-condition to grow such statesmen. I don’t beleive we do. Even if we assume some of IMers are so wise and smart that they can make able statesmen, it is naive to assume that Indonesia can be steered by a handful of statesmen. We still have the entire sick but HUGE political machinery which will obstruct our way. Do you think e.g. the NU and muhamadiyah will listen to us just because we are (assumed) wise? They prefer to listen to Gus Dur, that alone says much. In the aftermath, you will not last longer than a month as a president; if you make it at all to the presidency.
I did not presume anything. I made an statement of opinion. And inexplicably, you’re off at a tangent in suggesting that if some IMers are……. No IMer is even remotely strutting his know-all or ambition to lead Indonesia.
I know of one Blogger in Malaysia who has dared the present Prime Minister to step down and that publicly challenged the Prime Minister that he (the Blogger) would do a better job. I don’t see that over here at IM. -
Hi WP,
Resubmission of above reply.
Hence, my answer to that given understanding of mine that there are smaller in size compared to Indonesia that are considered failed and endangered.
should read as
Hence, my answer to that given understanding of mine that there are smaller countries in size compared to Indonesia that are considered failed and endangered.
Cheers,
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iamisaid:
Hence, my answer to that given understanding of mine that there are smaller countries in size compared to Indonesia that are considered failed and endangered.
I’m still a bit mystified about your position, but it seems, I guess, that we’re thus not saying contradicting things 🙂
And inexplicably, you’re off at a tangent in suggesting that if some IMers are”¦”¦. No IMer is even remotely strutting his know-all or ambition to lead Indonesia.
Well, that’s not really my main point. But I admit to be guilty of deliberately formulating my text so that you can read it like that 😀
But now that we’re touching this issue, I do now declare that some IMers would probably make better politicians than the current Indonesian average politicians.
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Ha ha ha WP,
I shall try to unravel. Please be patient.
I’m still a bit mystified about your position, but it seems, I guess, that we’re thus not saying contradicting things
You said to mean it is because Indonesia is so huge and complex it is not possible to achieve what is desired.
I said by counter comparing the size of other nations that are of much smaller size and these smaller nations are listed as failed and endangered.
Hence, my question does size matter? And in relation to that question, my proffered answer, “I guess not”.
Then came my rah rah and hula hula about what I think it takes to achieve. Which of course it would take a deranged man to believe that it could ever happen in the case of Indonesia. LOL !
But now that we’re touching this issue, I do now declare that some IMers would probably make better politicians than the current Indonesian average politicians.
Shhhhh! not so openly WP, Bpk. SBY may already have read the letter and some of his aides have been instructed to peruse at this Blog. We don’t want the powers to feel threathened or we’ll be rounded up and exiled to Komodo Island. Patung will be the first one to lead the exile, that’s for sure.
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we’ll be rounded up and exiled to Komodo Island. Patung will be the first one to lead the exile, that’s for sure.
That may not be so bad. In fact, we can quite easily turn Komodo island to the most prosperous island in whole south east asia.
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That may not be so bad. In fact, we can quite easily turn Komodo island to the most prosperous island in whole south east asia.
The Republic of Komodo
President: YTH Patung
First Lady: (vacant)Prime Minister: WP
Secretary of State: Marisa
Ministers:
Finance: Dragonwall
Trade: Ade Wanto
Education: Pak Mantri
Transport and Public Works: bbruce28
Culture & Arts: Perseus
Youth & Sports: Anak Aluang Bayang
Media & Propaganda: Achmad Sudarsono
Health: Janma
Religious Affairs: Mohammad Kafi
Law: Chris
Foreign Affairs: Ihakn
Defence: DewaratugedeanomRepublic Coat of Arms: Komodo Dragon
State Philosophy: “Eat, Drink and Be Merry ‘cos Tomorrow We Die”
Population: 2000 Komodo reptiles
Language: Hisss hisss
GDP: Great Disaster Planned
GNP: Gainful Non Proliferation
We’re off to a good start!
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Dragonwall says:
Kwik Kian Gie Menko Ekuin but became dormant on political pressure and thereafter keep nagging and complaining about various department’s handling of matters. Marie Pangetsu what was she doing?. A chinese policewoman, how prominent had that made her and then so what’s next? The 1st Governor of Bangka a Chinese and another Governor of Kalbar also a Chinese.
I am sure Mr President if these are really for show or to show the world that Indonesia is not discriminative. Discriminative will only show on the lower level where the top is unable to see, so are those nut heads who claim that Indonesia does no longer discriminates the Minorities. But I certainly hope Your Excellency could make them into a better show by not allowing poilitical and religious pressure to set foot on their domain to enable them to carry out thei duties so demanded of them by your administration.
Base on equal footing, without any circumvention, stress or duress, and giving the benefit of doubts that they are capable person. It is further hoped that they will help your cabinet regain a little more self respect and reputation for the country’s delapidated economic, religious and social condition.
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I am starting the dice rolling by forwarding an open letter to the President of the Republic of Indonesia where cc copies will be sent to the Justice Department and Indonesia Press as well as to the United Nation and Amnesty International. The letter shall go this way:
The President Of Republic of Indonesia
Mr. Susilo Bambang YudhoyonoYour Excellency,
Long before President Mohd Soeharto stepped down from Office, I was in Jakarta and employed with a Group of Companies. I monitored the political and economic developments and I was aware of some very impressive public statements you made at that time.
In my mind I expected that you would be the President of Indonesia in the very near future, but I never thought that it would come so soon. You are now the President and you have to pick up the rubbles left behind by those unscrupulous leaders.
You had made several wise choices such as incarcerating numerous officials both local and abroad as well as ministers who are corrupt. One of them was Yusril Ihza Mahendra whom you dismissed from your cabinet of ministers. His dismissal however, fell short of an indictment. In the judicial norm, regardless of his status, he should have been brought to the Court of Justice for proper address.
In addition, there is this issue about Abu Rizal Bakrie. He too is a minister together with Menko Kesra. His involvement is linked directly or indirectly in Lapindo Brantas and the disaster it caused at Sidoardjo. A disaster that was all but short in being proclaimed a state of emergency. Although Jusuf Kalla assisted with the use of state funds to salvage, his efforts to clean up is not complete.
Apart from these three issues that I have mentioned, there are many other incidents that have escaped the public attention. These three cases, despite being given wide publicity and the debates that ensued, it also supported endless speculation that the Indonesian leaders still possess the KKN and corrupt attitudes. Such is the trademark of the country and sadly Indonesia sits at the top the list and is ranked as the most corrupt country in the world.
May I strongly suggest that, in order to have a good government and governance, the mop up efforts thus far for such garbage is insufficient in the eyes of the world. It is essential that it is eliminated. It can be achieved through your diligence in bringing these people to justice. It would show to the world that Indonesia’s effort to clean up the various government departments of corruption and discriminative elements – something that has tarnished the reputation of the country for too long.
Your Excellency, you should order the investigation of Jusuf Kalla and his role in supporting Abu Rizal Bakrie with his Porong Project. That will ensure that they pick up the tab and that it does not come from the country’s coffer. It is meant for the good use for its citizens. With regards to Yusril, for his betrayal of allegiance to the country, his complicity in money laundering and for abetting the assistance from an ex-con in transferring the funds, Yusril must be subjected to prosecution according to the laws of the country just like any other citizen.
I hope that you would have these held accountable and brought to justice. It would surely reassure your success for a second Presidential term. Your countrymen and those abroad will respect you as a good President. They will regard you as a leader who is really serious in bulldozing those problems that is in your way.
Besides that, you will gain the advantage with foreign governments who will recognize your efforts. They will see in you, a President that cannot be easily shoved around by your wealthy VP, Ministers and Religious Parties that are being funded by these rich officials.
It is only when you have realized your efforts to eliminate such unwanted hindrances to the country’s economic and political development, that Indonesia may have a new start. And by that I mean, a real, brand new start instead of the political process that would dash your ambition to turn Indonesia around instead of replacing you with another new President and the possibility of more uncertainties.
It is an open secret that you are facing political challenges from Jusuf Kalla, Wiranto and others; I sincerely urge those actions that I have mentioned in this letter. Though your first term in office coming to its end and the next election is drawing close, by taking heed of these proposed actions, it would not only make it possible for you to be re-elected for a second term, it also would pave a new era in Indonesia. Opportunity does not come easy.
f.
Democratic Society -
Let me get few things straight first:
1. Do you seriously want to send such a letter to all the mentioned recepients?
2. Do you want us to comment on the letter?
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Aluang Anak Bayang says:
@ iamisaid
The Republic of Komodo
President: YTH Patung
First Lady: (vacant)Prime Minister: WP
Secretary of State: Marisa
Ministers:
Finance: Dragonwall
..
..
..
..
Youth & Sports: Anak Aluang Bayang
Media & Propaganda: Achmad Sudarsono
Health: Janma
..
..
Law: Chris
..I second Sheikh Cukurangan for the Finance Ministrer position. Having Chong at the helm is like putting a vampire in charge of the blood bank. Dragonwall can be moved to Youth & Sports.
Sputjam be in charge of Law.
I am more suited to the Cultural and Art portfolio, making sure Javanese culture lives forever. Chris and Perseus can be becak boys. Afterall, they are Ozzie.
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Aluang A. Bayang,
I second Sheikh Cukurangan for the Finance Ministrer position. Having Chong at the helm is like putting a vampire in charge of the blood bank. Dragonwall can be moved to Youth & Sports.
Sputjam be in charge of Law.
I am more suited to the Cultural and Art portfolio, making sure Javanese culture lives forever. Chris and
On Ministerial changes, it is up to Prime Minister WP.
I am just the island’s janitor. Haiyaaaa! you think my job is easy kok? 2000 Komodo lizards ! Can you imagine? It is so tough. I want to resign unless I get a pay increase.
His Excellency, Patung needs a First Lady! We have to help him find one if he does not help himself.
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Aluang A. Bayang,
I received a phone call from Dawud Farquhar.
Says he, he does not mind residing in the Republic of Komodo and will even forgo his hardship allowance.
I told him that maybe, no promises, because it has to be deliberated in Parliament.
There might be a good chance if he is willing to reorganise MM.
Silly bloke, he asked me what MM stands for.
I told him it is the Ministry of Misinformation.
He sounded very pleased. I even heard him let out a yell of joy!
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@ iamisaid
I thought MM is Ministry of Madness. Anyway, let us not frighten him away. Tonight he has yet to explain why he thinks pre-teen girls (6 to 15 years old) could possibly madly fall in love with old man (70+). This man is a sicko.
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let us not frighten him away.
Yeahhh, let the Komodo Dragons do that for us.
I phoned Abu Bakar Bashir of Jemaah Islamiyah to send out some of his best men on a Search and Rescue mission for Dawud Farquhar in England.
Abu replied: Who?
Guess, I will have to phone the Scotland Yard to help.
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Aluang A. Bayang,
night he has yet to explain why he thinks pre-teen girls (6 to 15 years old) could possibly madly fall in love with old man (70+)
Could that have been one of many reasons why he converted to Islam?
Ha ha ha ha ha ha
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You go check out the 1st link he gave trying to explain off Aisha’s young age. Some obscure Islamic scholar extended Aisha’a age to 13 or 14; which to him is ripe for sex with a 50+ old man. He forgot that 50+ old man in the 7th century is around 70 to 80 years old in this 21st century because of primitive health care. No Asian race would swallow it. He incriminate himself more and exposed himself as a pedo or someone with pedo intent using religion to mask his perverted fetish.
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At least someone is beginning to talk some cents.
Yes WP please comment. The letter was a draft and it wil still needs a little more finesse. I said I will start the dice rolling.
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Aluang said:
I am more suited to the Cultural and Art portfolio, making sure Javanese culture lives forever. Chris and Perseus can be becak boys. Afterall, they are Ozzie.
Spot on Aluang, I used to be a taxi driver in Sydney. OK, a Sydney cab has an engine so I guess it does not quite count as a becak – I had to Google that I had no idea such conveyances still existed in the 21st Century…
You should not underestimate the great wisdom of taxi drivers and hairdressers. As George Burns put it: it is a real shame that all the people who really know how to run the world are so busy driving cabs and cutting hair…
I think Righteous Dude and I will take the portfolios of Tourism, Transport and Infrastructure. We might grab Education while we are at it – to teach you charmers something about the world and how it works… as you plainly have no idea…
The Republic of Komodo, it’ll stack up with good governance. 🙂
Then again, I have heard it said that you should give the whole archipelago back to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and apologize to Her Majesty for the condition it is in 🙂 Plan B?
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Ya Plan B is nice because the Indonesians are going to sue_the_dutch@yahoo.com
There was an apology, now the claim. KKKKRROONNEERR…SSSS
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Friend perseus,
Spot on Aluang, I used to be a taxi driver in Sydney. OK, a Sydney cab has an engine so I guess it does not quite count as a becak – I had to Google that I had no idea such conveyances still existed in the 21st Century”¦
Before nations worldwide enacted legislation to control pollution, our Javanese leaders had long been aware of the consequences of greenhouse gases and global warming. The use of becak was recommended to stop environmental pollutants such as carbon emission which are harmful to human health, other living organisms, and the environment. Becak is environmental friendly; besides it improves your blood circulation; shed off that pot belly syndrome that plagues many Ozzies. I suggest you book your fat cows sheillas for becak riding course to rid that spare tyres. Thumping on treadmill aren’t getting them nowhere.
You should not underestimate the great wisdom of taxi drivers and hairdressers. As George Burns put it: it is a real shame that all the people who really know how to run the world are so busy driving cabs and cutting hair”¦
Can they speak Indonesian, or Bahasa Jovo? If not, sorry mate, Javanese are multi-linguistics.
Remember George Burn also wrote, “Wisdom of the 90s (1991)”. One feature of Wise people of the 90s was being able to speak several languages.
I think Righteous Dude and I will take the portfolios of Tourism, Transport and Infrastructure. We might grab Education while we are at it – to teach you charmers something about the world and how it works”¦ as you plainly have no idea”¦
Tourism, Transport and Infrastructure, of course everyone with the right credentials can give it a shot, but I am afraid your past employment as taxi driver and hairdresser won’t get you any further than picking up Komodos’ dungs. Education, we will leave that for candidates descended from cultured heritage like the Italians and Greeks. At the moment, I can only think of Becak vacancy for you two.
The Republic of Komodo, it’ll stack up with good governance.
If Ozzies (white anglo saxon stock only) are out of it.
Then again, I have heard it said that you should give the whole archipelago back to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and apologize to Her Majesty for the condition it is in Plan B?
We’ll talk about that later after you pass your becak test.
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Dragonwall:
Yes WP please comment. The letter was a draft and it wil still needs a little more finesse. I said I will start the dice rolling.
No offense Dragonwall, but yearly there are like thousands of such a letter coming into the president’s mailbox.
If your most important point is e.g.:
order the investigation of Jusuf Kalla and his role in supporting Abu Rizal Bakrie with his Porong Project.
Then you should state this directly. Throw away all those ranting around it. Just give me your solid argument, with references to reports and findings, if you have them, as to why the president, the press, the UN, etc should take your point seriously.
Otherwise, if a president should be encouraged to base his judgement on fans letters 🙂 … effectively personal oppinions … then may God have mercy on us all.
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dewaratugedeanom says:
The Republic of Komodo
President: YTH Patung
First Lady: (vacant)
Prime Minister: WP
Secretary of State: Marisa
Ministers:
“¦.
“¦.
“¦.
Defence: DewaratugedeanomAs Minister of Defence and a reincarnation of Gajah Mada I will lead the Reconquista of the Great Empire of Majapahit.
His Excellency, Patung needs a First Lady! We have to help him find one if he does not help himself.
I believe Inul Daratista would be an excellent choice.
Majapahit will rule again. Merdeka!
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As Minister of Defence and a reincarnation of Gajah Mada I will lead the Reconquista of the Great Empire of Majapahit.
Breaking News from CNN – Indonesia
Jenderal dewaratugedeanom with an elite force of 1000 Komodo Dragons was sighted making their way towards the southernmost shores of Jovo.
~ we have our roving reporter to give us the lastest update on this astounding news.
Roving reporter: Good Evening, thousands of Jovonese flocked to the shores with many more making their way by busloads. Jenderal dewaratugedeanom who is also the Minister of Defence from the neighbouring Republic of Komodo, was seen riding a Komodo Dragon as he landed on these shores just hours ago.
bzzzzt….bzzzzzzzzzt…BLIP
We apologise that we have lost contact with our roving reporter. Our Studio has received a phone call informing us that one of the elite Komodo Dragons mistook our female roving reporter for one of its kind and whisked her away.
We shall update you on the hour on further developments of Jenderal dewaratugedeanom and his Komodo Dragons.
This is CNN – Indonesia reporting from Jakarta.
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dewaratugedeanom says:
I believe Inul Daratista would be an excellent choice.
~ me passes the hat around.
Guys, we have to chip in some money to buy medicated plasters and embrocation oil for Patung !
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I’d say “Indonesia’s inconvenient truth” would make a better choice of theme. It’s probably not a winning theme, but at least an honest one. Afterall, after over 50 years of blatant lies, we owe our people the truth.
The truth being that as a nation Indonesia is and was, from the beginning, an impossible project. Given how the pieces are laid, and how the real terrains are, there is no way we can muster sufficient “collective mentality”, “collective intelligence”, “collective cohesiveness”, or whatever you want to call them, needed as a pre-condition for a successful nation.
We have been fooling ourselves that a nation of this size and diversity, and not to mention that we are sitting ontop of the most volcanic part of the world, is managable. I don’t know how this naivety can become so entrenched. I suppose you can blame it our submissive cultural attitude; so kids at schools simply swallow up al those patriotic but shallow indoctrination texts.
So, now we know this, or at least some people are becoming aware of this. But sadly, the way the pieces are now laid, and how the real political terrains now are, we do not actually have the political space to do anything to correct the mistake. So as it is, Indonesia is in the collision course.
There is not much I, nor the whole bunch of us, can do to change that. But at least I can tell you the truth.