Letter: Don't go "gaga" about Obama

Fri, 02/20/2009 2:55 PM  |  Reader's Forum

I refer to an article titled "Washington in *good mood', paying close attention to RI," (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 14).

Sorry, but Indonesia (most of its people and politicians) are acting very much like naive children, exaggerating things far too much. So Obama is anak Menteng (the Menteng child), then how is it he does not seem to be proud of it at all?

From what I know, he even tried to cover this up, probably because he did not think it would be very helpful to his career. George W. Bush Jr. visited Indonesia too and it is true that Indonesia is among the G20 (and kudos for that), but that is because of its GDP. Malaysia is among the G20 too, with a fifth of Indonesia's population, the same for Japan, Taiwan, S-Korea.

Indonesia and the people should not go "gaga" about Obama and the fact he once lived in Indonesia. Who knows what downside that could have too? Let us say Obama could have been mugged in his youth in Jakarta, would that mean that he'll hate Indonesia? He would be very shallow and superficial to do so. But it seems that Indonesians think that he is. Why else would they assume that just because he lived in Indonesia once, he will treat Indonesia any better than any other country?

And what is it about SBY and Clinton discussing the conflict in the Middle East? What does this have to do with the American-Indonesian relationship?

Florian Laur
Jakarta

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HvdW (not verified), Jakarta — Thu, 02/26/2009 - 4:22pm

I agree with Rod.

Rod (not verified) — Sun, 02/22/2009 - 6:03pm

While I can understand Florian's point of view I really cannot see anything negative about Indonesian's being enthusiastic about President Obama. Americans generally are not good at geography particularly locations outside the US. Most are unaware that Indonesia has in excessive of 220 million people, vast natural resources and in terms of basic economic and political fundamentals the investment opportunities in Indonesia are as good as any other asian country. The Obama connection with Indonesia has the potential to encourage investors to take a closer look at Indonesia. Whilst we may not all agree with US global influence, the reality is that if the President of the United States endorses a country than many people will listen. Indonesian seems to attract continuous bad press and many of good achievements of the country are not recognised. Its time to enjoy a little bit of positive attention and show the world that Indonesia is a wonderful country that has a lot to offer.

Alain D. (not verified) — Sun, 02/22/2009 - 1:59am

Below are two paragraphs I quote from an article published by The Jakarta Post last year. The author provides a realist point of view in assessing Obama.

Paragraph 1:

"In Indonesia, when the media discusses Obama, most prefer to focus on his past association with Indonesia. For many people here, Obama's mixed background (a white American mother, a Kenyan father and an Indonesian step father) and his international childhood experience with his early school years in Jakarta are seen as a guarantee of cultural sensitivity."

Paragraph 2:

"The point is, there is no certainty that a change in the physical features of stereotypical United States Presidents (read: Obama versus White Anglo-Saxon Protestant men), would necessarily guarantee a change in direction for United States foreign policy. Should there be such a correlation, United States foreign policy in the last eight years would have been more feminine having had Condoleezza Rice, a woman, in charge of security matters."

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/08/08/asia-challenge-obama.html

Vic (not verified) — Sat, 02/21/2009 - 12:58pm

I think the most one can hope for from Obama is a sense of empathy towards Indonesia from his stays. More telling is his return visit to Bali for several months to finish his book. He was probably kicked out, as all us tourists are after 3 months!
Indonesia does have a profound impact on many that visit, or live there for a short time, something to do with the nice folk that inhabit the archipeligo. In the end, it is not what the US, or any other country can do for Indonesia, but what it can do for itself and its people.

Arief L (not verified) — Sat, 02/21/2009 - 12:12pm

I really don't see what is all the fuss about. Indonesians are as "gaga" about Obama as much as the rest of the world.

I am a realist when it comes to President Obama. In the end of the day he is an American first and the decisions he will make are based on what he thinks best for his country. Indonesia way benefit from the decisions or maybe not.

It is no secret that many were not happy with the previous US' administration. After Obama's presidential election victory, people around the world are hopeful of a better America. Can't us Indonesians be hopeful too?

Jacopo Cappuccio (not verified) — Sat, 02/21/2009 - 12:27am

I really agree wth Florian Laur.
I am scared when i think that Obama maybe could use Indonesia and the reosources still exsisting.
Yes, "use" Indonsia could be even worse.
He can just use the fact he lived in, just in oirder to getr some special benefit.

Pay attention: Indonesia still gets great resources, what the rest of the world needs so much.
Don't sell it, but keep it with love.
One day, it wll be the only way to be alive.

Sorry for my poor english.

Jacopo Cappuccio (Italia)

Conor (not verified) — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 7:36pm

Fleur: You're right. Indonesians are like children. Yes Obama went to school here and lived for a brief period of time. Just because of this, Indonesians should not be over confident. Just because he lived in Indonesia does not mean that Indonesia will get special privilages. Indonesia must really work its way just like any other countries. I would also say that Kenya's position is stronger if he wants to favor countries because he has roots and living family members there. In Indonesia he had a divorsed step-father. That's all.

On the other hand, Indonesia make this as an advantage. Obama can't deny that he lived here. And he did not cover up. If you read his book, it's there. If you watch the bibliography of him, it's there too. But we cannot expect a silver spoon.

This is a golden opportunity to build relations with the US and make it happen. Our ministers and high ranking politicians must really work hard to get it in hand. Show them and the world what we're made off. Do what's best for our country, then we'll gain respect from them.

With regards to SBY and Clinton talking about the Mideast issue, I think that's ok. Indonesia is recognized to be the largest Muslim population in the world and the 3rd largest democracy, we are actually a case study. But Clinton knows where Indonesia stands when it comes to the Mideast issue and I don't think that we should sell out on this matter.

And we'll have to see results from Obama's promises he made at the inauguration speech. Can he really make ties with the Muslim world that the Bush Administration vertually crushed? That's his challenge and a tough one too.

I am hopefull that things will get better with the new US Administration under Obama. I am just curious on how the strategies Indonesia will take in terms of foreign policies. If Indonesia failed to get what we want from the US, we can't blame the US.

Only time will unveil the results....

Anon (not verified) — Fri, 02/20/2009 - 4:23pm

Yes Florian, right on. It's nauseating the way Indonesians assumed that Obama was treated well in Indonesia. He was called names for being an African-American for God's sake!

Indonesia and 'toleransi'? Not so much.

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