Forum: Do not kill Bali bombers

Mon, 07/21/2008 10:33 AM  |  Reader's Forum

Deegan is only expressing his Christian belief that one should forgive even those who have killed one's loved ones. Parents, children, wives and friends of the other 87 Australians killed in the first Bali bombing may not be as forgiving.

It is not revenge they are after. They want to ensure justice is served, and more than that, they want to ensure these heartless and rabid criminals will not harm anyone ever again.
PAUL E. RANTAU
Jakarta

Forest stewardship -- July 9, p. 7

I laughed all through van Assen's letter (The Jakarta Post, July 18, p. 7).

As an Indonesian, I would love to see the LEI scheme accepted by global markets. But this hasn't happened, even though van Assen might be right about the LEI's standards not being so different from the FSC's.

I would like to propose this scenario: If he were in Europe now, and a consumer of wood products, I bet he would say the same as many European environmentalists about the FSC being the only "trusted" certifier in the world.

To me, it is clear his views are influenced by the fact he works in the certification project in Indonesia.
AGUS SARTONO
Semarang

International education -- July 6, p. 18

The article above is further indication of Indonesia's inability to comply with global standards and requirements, which, in this case, relate to international education.

I can recommend several ways to verify the international "worthiness and credibility" of these so-called international schools in Indonesia, based on my experience last year when I moved from Indonesia to Vienna, Austria.

My daughter is now attending the Vienna International School (VIS). My decision to enroll her in this excellent school were due to the following factors:

First, the school is accredited by several international education accreditation bodies, including the ECIS and COIS. I verified this by checking the accreditation bodies' Web sites. VIS has met their standards and requirements.

Second, VIS graduates study toward an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, which is a prerequisite for joining the world's leading universities.

Third, the VIS alumni profile is very impressive. Alumni have gone on to attend prestigious universities around the world and work in prominent international organizations.

Every parent should at least ask these three questions to these so-called international schools in Indonesia. Don't be surprised if most of them cannot answer. What is the purpose of obtaining an international education if one can not obtain an international world-class job?
SYAHRUL LUDDIN
Vienna

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