Forum: Democratic imagination

Wed, 10/15/2008 10:26 AM  |  Reader's Forum

I read your article with great interest and admiration for your in-depth analysis. I only wanted to add one thing to it, and that is, that you have a marvelous and naturally democratic-minded population.

I lived for some years in Indonesia and found that the Indonesian culture and attitude to their fellowman seems to be naturally democratic.

The very root of daily life in Indonesia seems to be based on communal participation. This is not the case in America. Here it is based upon "me first and me only", thus this cannot be called a "true democracy".

Democracy here really just means "one man one vote". You are fortunate -- may your country develop into a robust democracy as more and more people have access to education and information.
HANNA JAECKEL
Washington

Eradicate illegal taxis -- Oct. 6, Online

I am Belgian. The first time I arrived at Jakarta Airport I was shocked by the way I got "attacked" by people who offered me a taxi into the city.

It was a hassle and I didn't feel safe at all. This happened about week after Ramadan. When will the Jakarta Airport authority do something about that?

I want to use a good taxi from a reliable company which is using its meter and is offered by friendly people.

Spending a lot of money to promote Indonesia as a holiday destination is a waste when things like this keep going on.

My first impression of Jakarta was bad because of the taxi hassle at the airport.
WALTER JACOBS
Jakarta

The only difference between many of the legal taxis and the illegal ones is that the former pay a fat fee to the airport authority for the privilege of ripping off customers with extortionate fares in tatty cars.

Real progress will only be made when becoming a legal taxi requires the operator and the vehicle meet a basic standard.

Until then newly arrived travelers will continue to have a bad impression of Indonesia's capital, while those of us who know the city will continue to fend off swarms of mosquito-like touts while we wait for a cab from a reputable firm.
DAVID
Jakarta

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