Thoughts from the Next News Generation
The Jakarta Post | Mon, 06/30/2008 6:55 AM | Dalton Tanonaka
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger faced a
career decision very early in life.
He reportedly had an interest in journalism
that equalled his passion for rock ‘n’ roll. He was said to have made his
fateful choice with this statement:
“I think
I’d rather make news than report it.”
Rock on, Mick.
Of course,
those of us who chose the other option surely don’t possess the musical skills
that would present such a dilemma. But I, for one, find equally huge
“Satisfaction” in doing what I do.
So to
answer the regularly-posed question “Why did you become a journalist?,” here’s
why:
I learn
something new every day. And that’s fun.
My
career has now spanned more than 25 years, and I still get excited when the “On
the Air” light blinks on. Or to see my name in print. It’s a matter of pride
and genuine appreciation for my profession.
As a
way to encourage young people to enter the field, I’ve set up scholarships over
the years to help students concentrate on their studies instead of worrying
about how to pay for their books.
My
initial “Tanonaka International Journalism Scholarship” in Indonesia went to Larasati Miranti,
who just finished her first year at Yogyakarta State University. The native of Puyung in Central Lombok is working hard to become a
newsperson. She’s bright, inquisitive and not afraid to question authority,
qualities crucial to making a future impact in this country’s development.
Over
the past year, Larasati has written to me when an event or issue interested
her. I’ve found her writings insightful and full of emotion. I’m proud to
provide the following examples from someone I know will someday play a
successful role in Indonesia’s news media. Her words are
only slightly edited for clarity.
March
22, 2008
“Don’t
say ‘Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!’” said my friend who wears a long jilbab (headscarf). “You’re Muslim, right?
I asked
myself if that’s a stupid thing. “I shouldn’t do it, should I?”
I remember a few years ago. I’m sure it was planned well, the bomb
exploding in Bali, the pride of Indonesia. An unexpected terror.
But it wasn’t only non-Muslims who felt afraid, but also me as a Muslim felt
very scared.
A
non-Muslim friend asked me these questions - “Did your prophet teach you to be
peaceful? To love each other as human beings? Did your prophet teach you
bombing?”
And I
answered, “Absolutely not!”
Honestly,
I felt really shy after that.
January
14, 2008
The big
problem in Indonesia is why do we have so
much corruption? That’s caused by the fact the number-one person accused of
corruption has not gone to court! In fact, he has become the richest person,
and his daughter and son still live wealthy. I think that’s why corruption is still
thriving in Indonesia. Most people think, “The
number-one person tidak diadili (never
went to trial), so I can be corrupt, too!”
I hope
Soeharto gets healthy. I have compassion for him. But he must be responsible
for the cases of 2000-3000 people who died in 1965. Their families are waiting
for justice.
January
5, 2008
My mom
is sick. She had been in the hospital for one week.
I’m so
sad. I cannot do anything. I just can cry. Lombok is too far, so I cannot
visit her.
This is
my letter for her, even though I know she cannot read it:
Dear
Mom:
How are
you?
This
night, I see rain in the large sky from my room window. I ask the rain, “What
does my mother do there?” But the rain doesn’t tell me, Mom. Rain is deaf, Mom.
Just busy making tears.
This
night, the lamp cannot light me. In the black night, I think about you, how
much you love me and the thousands of things you did for me. I know, I but
cannot do anything for you.
This
night, I feel bad, I close my eyes, but I cannot sleep.
Mom, I
feel cold, give me cover.
Mom, I
want to listen your story.
Mom, I
miss our home.
May I go home this night?
Best
love,
Laras
Hawaii native Dalton Tanonaka is the
co-anchor of Metro TV’s “Indonesia Now” program, seen on
Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. and Sundays at 1
a.m. He can be reached at dalton@metrotvnews.com.
Fitriyanti Nurmala (not verified) — Tue, 07/15/2008 - 12:20pm
that's great article Mr. Dalton, inspired! it's real thing. It can happened around us. Your article made me impressed.