The three vice presidential candidates debated national identity live on television last Tuesday. Interestingly, the forum was structured in such a way that the candidates were allowed to make a speech, lecture or even sing. Long gone are the vigorous, lively and intelligent debates of Indonesia's parliament in 1950s.
The candidates took a broad sweep on virtually every issue, skipping the fine detail of reality. Only when they talked about the relationship between the state and religion did the debate gain some momentum.
Your comments:
There are weakness in each presidential and vice presidential candidate. Be careful on what they say!
Supriyanto Sayama
The fact is that a huge majority of our voters are politically uneducated and religiously biased. That means that they simply have no understanding of how this country should be led to make it successful and thus guarantee the future of their children.
The fact that we have candidates with, so far, no demonstrated understanding of important issues says a lot. How can anyone appoint one of these guys as president? When asked important questions, they all just blurt out no-content answers.
I hope that someone with brain will step-up as a presidential candidate. Sri Mulyani will do well. I hope that someday, and I hope very soon, she will dare to take on that responsibility. And for our part, we will do ourselves and our children a great favor if we rally behind her.
Prime
As a foreigner working in this lovely country we do hope that Indonesia can be steadily grow bigger and stronger. As an ordinary person I am more concerned about the living condition of the common people in Indonesia.
We can obviously see that this country has changed in many ways and it is changing for good. So no matter who will be the leader of this country we hope that she or he has a kind heart to his or her people and leads them to a prosperous future. It is time to think about the possibility of separating politics and religion.
The one who contributes more to this country will be lifted up highly by people and the one, who does not will be pushed down by the whole nation. I wish all the best for this country and its lovely people.
Louis Liu Peng Fei
Tangerang, Banten
Why stop at the destroyed churches and sharia law? How about Ahmadiyah? How about persecution of Lia Eden?
And are non-believers allowed a place in Indonesia? I'm sure it's going to spark some debates among the candidates, if not, then none of them are worth a vote.
Ryan
Improving teacher's education -- June 21, p. 18
The presidents and representatives of 40 universities across Asia, including from many teacher's colleges, pledged to collaborate to improve the education of teachers and promote educational research and development.
At the inaugural Asian Roundtable of Presidents of Universities of Education, hosted by the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) on May 22, HKIEd President Professor Anthony B. L. Cheung underlined that universities, schools and teachers are facing unprecedented challenges arising from globalization and the economy.
Your comments:
I congratulate and commend the presidents of the various education institutions in the region for their joint message, which among other things seeks to make education more relevant in the development of societies throughout the region.
To be effective, education must promote critical thinking and should always value truth and character. I believe the heads of education institutions have always given priority and emphasis to the role education can play in nation building and development.
I am with them in their pursuit of excellence and would like to offer my service, pro bono, should they consider it. Godspeed!
Leodegardo M. Pruna
