Menteng students overjoyed with Obama's win

The Jakarta Post   |  Wed, 11/05/2008 3:02 PM  |  Jakarta

"Obama... Obama... Obama... We love you!" yelled hundreds of students from all grades in a Menteng elementary school in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, as they watched results come in for the U.S. presidential election.

Students and teachers were overjoyed to suspend classes, gather in a 1,500 square meter ballroom and witness how a former student of the school became elected the next president of the United States.

Headmaster Kuswadiyanto said the teachers and students had been starting their school day differently during the past few days.

"Every morning before lessons start, we've been praying for Barry, hoping for him to win the election," Kuswadiyanto said, as quoted by kompas.com.

As tallies on the television screen grew and confirmed Obama's win, all the students expressed their happiness by running around, scattering all over the place, dashing out of the ballroom and roaming the schoolyard even though rain was pouring down.

Obama's victory was also their victory. They were proud that the one-time Menteng student had became the leader of the most powerful country on the planet. "I want Obama to come here so we can talk with him," said Ajo, a fifth grader.

The teachers said the school would pray for Obama again on Thursday. "We want to express our thankfulness, so we will continue praying for him.... Today we are just enjoying this victory with the students," Kuswadiyanto said. (and)
Comments (14)  |   Post comment
A  |   A  |   A  |   Mail to a friend  |  Printer Friendly Version |  Digg it!  |  Add to Del.icio.us!  |  Add to Reddit!  |  Stumble it!   |  Share on facebook  

Dew (not verified) — Wed, 11/05/2008 - 11:29pm

It is weird that people so intellectuals as the teachers drove the students to focus on the origin of Obama. Even the Americans apparently care so little about his origin by electing him. Come on, if you want to educate the younger ones, do it by showing them the essense of election and their right to choose.

Of course a lot of people love Obama, but his wife was right... we have to look at the substance. Can Obama really can deliver what he promised and most importantly, who are benefiting from his actions. Afterall, he is the president of the United States. What is good for the U.S. may not be good for Indonesia (as history has shown).

El Papa (not verified) — Wed, 11/05/2008 - 9:15pm

It's great to see Muslims praying for Christians! It's just too bad that no one in Indonesia can tell me why they like Obama, based on anything he stands for. It's too bad that most Americans can't give me any reasons for their support of Obama. Is it just Obamania? Do you think Obama would support the porn bill? Do you think he wouldn't try to overturn your laws against abortion? Perhaps these students would be better served by their teachers if they were taught to read and analyze the issues with a critical mind.

Susan (not verified) — Wed, 11/05/2008 - 6:49pm

I'm glad to see you share our joy. I lived and taught in Makassar last year and I now am in Chicago, my hometown. I hope this presidency brings our countries together more.

I hope that these students can see and learn from Obama's character, that they can come to emulate his love of learning, understanding, community development and justice.

Susan
Chicago, IL

Bruce (not verified) — Wed, 11/05/2008 - 6:07pm

Thank you to the Menteng school from a grateful USA. Your school did a fine job and produced a great leader for USA and the world.

« first‹ previous12

What's On

more
more