I am a mother of one child and expecting another. I am also a teacher at a secondary school working with students from seven to 12 years old.
No one has a right to physically or mentally abuse a child. I hope your readers take this very seriously. There are many other methods to discipline children apart from violence.
It is the responsibility of adults to ensure the utmost safety and care for children because children are not as strong as adults.
The damage of violence both physical and emotional can leave a mark on a child lasting throughout his adult life. Depending on the severity of the violence, it can lead the child to his death. Abuse against children is intolerable.
I applaud those who actively fight against child abuse. VERONIKA PETANIC
Melbourne
Malaysia, Indonesia Nov. 21, p. 7
It's not the triviality of fighting over the tacky Rasa Sayange song. What matters is Malaysia's temerity to claim something rightfully belonging to the elder brother (saudara tua).
Do you recall Malaysia's adoption of the Indonesian popular song Terang Bulan as its national anthem when Britain granted Malaysia independence?
The Indonesian government then forbade the public singing of the song. Did Malaysia ask for permission when it took Terang Bulan? Was its creator rewarded?
I will not be surprised if one day Malaysia claims Sumatra as part of its territory after first claiming the smaller islands of Indonesia. You're right to call Malaysia orang kaya baru, a ""newly rich"". SYARIF FUAD
Jakarta
Thanks for your well-reasoned piece. I grew up in Malaysia near Sumatra, singing Rasa Sayang, and was surprised about the fuss. Why do extended family members not cherish our common history! ALFRED S. LUKE
Grand Rapids, U.S.
Tourism sector Nov. 21, p. 3
I fully support the hospitality sector workers going on strike if the demand for a wage increase is not met. The hospitality sector has always been a significant contributor to the Indonesian economy, and therefore its workers deserve a better wage.
Even a 30 percent increase is still below the standard earnings of counterparts in OECD countries.
A wage increase will reduce the disparity between the hospitality workers and the people they serve (at least in terms of satisfaction and a sense of well-being). Give the wage increase they deserve now. ZUBAIDAH
Malang, East Java
Real jungle Nov. 20, p. 4
I have deep sympathy for you. Unfortunately, I know it happens day-in and day-out in Jakarta. Harassment has been part of daily life for women in Jakarta a long time, especially in public areas.
Why? Because women are not protected by laws, and these perpetrators have never been charged with capital punishment. However, knowing well the society and how the government runs there, my hope to see a change for the better is dimming.
My advice to all of you women is be cautious of your surroundings and, better yet, arm yourself with self-defense skills. Don't expect anyone will help you. It's a jungle full of psychos out there. Take care. EMILIA
San Mateo, U.S.
Elevated roads Nov. 20, p. 4
As a long term visitor of Jakarta, I am puzzled at how big investments are being directed to overpasses and new roads, while the public transportation system basically consists of single dedicated busway lanes.
The busway is not a scalable solution for a multi-million-person city. And every attempt to expand it will fail. It does not address the key problem: that lack of efficient public transportation spirals into an ever-increasing demand for private cars and motorbikes.
Instead of building move elevated roads, the plan for sky trains need to be put into action. It will not require more land, digging or debate over if buses or cars should be allowed to travel in a certain lane.
Jakarta needs to meet its traffic challenges with measures adopted for a multi-million-person city, not of those needed for a hamlet. JIMMY
Karlskrona, Sweden
