Debating competition article

Thu, 02/28/2008 11:29 AM  |  Reader's Forum

With regards to the article on the values of competitive debating that I wrote and was featured in The Jakarta Post, Feb. 19, I wish to make some minor corrections. I believe that in the original draft that I sent to you I noted that there were four Indonesian teams -- one from ITB and three from UI -- that broke into the final rounds of the English as a Second Language category at the 2008 World University Debating Championship, and not one from each institution as appeared in the edited article.

I understand that it is a minor oversight but I feel that it is important to set the record straight and acknowledge the achievement of these young debaters.

I am very pleased to see the feedback I have been receiving from the readers and the enquiries from those who wish to know more about competitive debating in Indonesia. I truly hope that competitive debating will gain more and more supporters in this country.

I feel that it is only fitting for the birthplace of great debaters, the likes of Hatta, Sukarno, Rasuna Said and Agus Salim, to continue to produce brilliant and critical individuals who understand how to speak and -- more importantly -- how to listen.

RIVANDRA ROYONO
Jakarta

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