Forum: Expatriates' registration

Fri, 08/15/2008 10:52 AM  |  Reader's Forum

I agree that expatriates should obey the laws of their host countries. However, I disagree with "Western Expatriate" (probably a financial type who is wound too tight) who says Indonesia should limit the number of expatriates who are "only here for the fun".

What I do, how I live, what I spend my money on, who I associate with, where I pass my time, etc., are my business. I and others do not need to be told what we can do, especially by other expatriates.

Does a nightclub owner come under "only here for the fun"? What about watersports enthusiasts, are they having too much fun? Just because everyone living here doesn't fall into "Western Expatriate's" narrow social circle doesn't mean there is no place for him or her in Indonesia.
STEVE
Jakarta

Uniforms for Corrupt suspect -- Aug. 7, Online

By all means, this is what we need. If the corrupt are not afraid of the law, if they feel no guilt for their deeds, let this teach them a lesson on how ashamed they ought to be because of what they did.
EKI AKHWAN
Jakarta

What is happening to the presumption of innocence? The proposal as presented is to brand as "corrupt" suspects who are appearing in court, before any verdict is decided.

Imagine the impact this would make on someone's life who is later found not guilty after the media has already published photos of the person -- grounds for a defamation lawsuit, I would think.

A uniform is one thing but the branding of "corrupt" implies a guilty verdict and raises serious human rights and natural justice issues.
HADRIAN
Jakarta

Lifter Triyatno -- Aug. 11, Online

Thanks Triyatno. I am proud of your victory. You are a hero in our beloved country, Indonesia, in Beijing's 2008 battle. We hope and pray tomorrow the Indonesian team will receive more medals. Good luck. Go...go...Indonesia Keep the spirit
HERY DIAN DWIHARTO
Jakarta

Coal mining rip-off -- Aug. 11, p. 6

The government is being lenient because officials have been paid off. Surely your editorial staff knows what is happening here -- but if reporters in Indonesia try and report the truth they expose themselves to personal injury and harassment.

Indonesia is better off having tabloids for entertainment and no news, as only negative news about people who have no power can be reported.
ADAM GOLDMAN
Jakarta

One wonders if this editorial isn't just rhetorical in nature, because anyone with modest information about the Indonesian coal-mining industry will know two of the largest obligers of these unpaid taxes are owned by relatives of a powerful government minister, who is the largest financial donor to the presidential campaign.

Thisis the way crony capitalism is conducted. Scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
TOMASO TETTAMANTI
Lugano, Switzerland

Nurses leave for Japan -- Aug. 7, p. 1

This is a positive development toward enhancing the global competitiveness of Indonesia's human resources. Having abundant professional human resources with global exposure and experience will definitely improve Indonesia's economic welfare in the long run.

World-class human resources will also boost Indonesia's international credentials, as Indonesia is not known for this. A common perception by the international community is the majority of Indonesians working overseas are low-paid house servants.

As the Government cannot provide many jobs in the domestic market due to its poor economic policies, it must help the people develop the competencies needed to obtain well-paying jobs overseas. People do not just need jobs -- they need quality jobs which provide them economic and legal security.
SYAHRUL LUDDIN
Jakarta

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.