Malu Aku Jadi Orang Indonesia

Summary

This powerful narrative reflects on the speaker's journey from pride in Indonesia's early independence to disillusionment with the country's corruption, political manipulation, and social injustices. The speaker recalls the optimism of the 1950s, the revolution's triumphs, and personal experiences in a changing society, but expresses deep frustration with ongoing issues like violence, systemic inequality, and lack of accountability. The constant refrain of feeling embarrassed to be Indonesian highlights a profound sense of conflict between national pride and the harsh realities of governance and society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses a sense of shame about being Indonesian, feeling disillusioned by corruption, inequality, and injustice within the country.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on Indonesia's history, mentioning how in 1956, the country was only six years old, proud of its revolution and independence from the Dutch.
• 😀 The speaker recalls their high school years in Pekalongan and how a classmate, Thompson, admired Indonesia’s revolution, particularly the Battle of Surabaya.
• 😀 Thompson, an American classmate, later became an officer in the U.S. Army and even contributed to a historical book on Indonesia's revolution.
• 😀 There is a nostalgic longing for the idealism of Indonesia’s early years post-independence, which the speaker feels has been overshadowed by systemic corruption.
• 😀 The speaker critiques the rampant corruption in Indonesia, where business deals and bureaucracy often involve illegal practices and nepotism, undermining the country's development.
• 😀 The speaker mentions the prevalence of favoritism, where family members of powerful figures, like presidents or generals, receive preferential treatment.
• 😀 There is a sense of disillusionment about the country's legal system, with decisions often being swayed by bribery and political connections.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the issue of violence and human rights abuses in regions like Aceh and Irian Jaya, where the government is implicated in brutal actions.
• 😀 The speaker critiques the state of Indonesian football, emphasizing the lack of fair play and transparency, with matches sometimes manipulated to ensure the outcomes are aligned with political interests.

Q & A

What year is mentioned in the script as significant to the speaker's life?

The year 1956 is mentioned as significant, when the speaker was in high school and received a scholarship.

How does the speaker describe their feelings about being Indonesian?

The speaker expresses a sense of embarrassment about being Indonesian, particularly due to corruption and bureaucratic issues in the country.

What role does the speaker's friend Thompson play in the narrative?

Thompson, a classmate of the speaker, is portrayed as being fascinated by the Indonesian Revolution and even writes about the Battle of Surabaya, with the speaker being a minor source of information for his work.

What significant historical event does the speaker reference in the context of Indonesia’s early independence?

The speaker refers to Indonesia's independence from the Netherlands and the Revolution, specifically mentioning the Battle of Surabaya and Bung Tomo as a key figure.

What is the speaker’s opinion on Indonesia’s current state of governance and corruption?

The speaker criticizes Indonesia's government, highlighting the prevalence of corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency within the bureaucracy, which is described as ranking first in the world for corruption.

What does the speaker mean by 'the law is not upheld' in Indonesia?

The speaker suggests that laws in Indonesia are often disregarded or manipulated for personal gain, with corruption and unethical practices prevailing in the judicial system.

What social issue does the speaker address regarding the economy and wealth distribution in Indonesia?

The speaker mentions how wealth is concentrated among elites, such as the children of high-ranking officials, and points out that public procurement processes are corrupted, with a large portion of funds going into the pockets of those in power.

How does the speaker describe the state of media and public discourse in Indonesia?

The speaker criticizes the media in Indonesia, stating that opinions in newspapers, magazines, and books are often censored or suppressed. There's also mention of the prohibition of certain opinions and the negative impact on free speech.

What does the speaker say about the state of justice and human rights in Indonesia?

The speaker points out instances of gross human rights violations, such as killings, kidnappings, and torture, particularly in areas like Aceh and Irian, and suggests that those responsible are rarely held accountable.

What does the speaker's mention of the World Cup reveal about Indonesia's international standing?

The speaker critiques Indonesia’s exclusion from major global events like the World Cup, implying that the country is relegated to a passive role in international affairs, only observing via satellite, and is not considered a significant player in such competitions.