I returned to the UK and lived there for around 20 years, but about three years ago I returned to Indonesia. I had always planned to return. When I lived here all those years ago, the people were so kind, warm, and generous, and whilst I was away, I was always longing to return and experience again that feeling of belonging. Oh, how things change!

My exposure to Indonesia over the past three years is limited to mostly Bandung and Jakarta and my comments are based on these environments, plus what I have read and seen on TV. I have learned the hard way that one has to be a cynic to survive. I have been cheated, lied to, extorted and badly treated generally on so many occasions, and so regularly that it is now impossible to recall all of the experiences. I have been told so often that I am na*ve and that I am at fault for trusting in what I am told, in believing in what is promised, and of having an unrealistic mindset. However, it goes far beyond accepting being ripped off as being the norm.

The current fiasco involving the Corruption Eradication Commissions (KPK), the National Police, the AGO and the many other players, goes way beyond cheating and lying, even beyond corruption. One gets a sense that there is a free-for-all frenzy, that there are no rules, there is no conscience, and no limits to what crime or sin can be committed to reach an end goal. There is no honour, even among thieves. Nothing is too despicable, anything too evil, no suffering that can be inflicted is too extreme, and everybody is expendable. Depths of depravity go beyond any limit in an attempt to inflict a killer punch, to put down anybody that stands in the way, by any means. Have the ordinary man and woman become so infected by the people, of whom there seem so many, that will stoop to any level to get what they want, that they themselves now carry the disease? Alternatively, is it that people have been worn down and are now complacent to what goes on around them?

I understand that Indonesia has the largest economy in Southeast Asia, but how does that translate in real terms, in real benefits for the population as a whole? Looking at the capital city one has to wonder just how it makes any sense. Jakarta, possibly one of the ugliest cities in the world, is full of half-complete projects, the Transjakarta busway and the monorail to name just two.

The city is suffering from daily power cuts, due to years of poor management and lack of investment. There are worsening floods every year, which cause immense suffering, the impact of which would be reduced if there were a real desire to do something about it. It ranks as one of the most polluted cities on the planet due to the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the roads, but there is simply no viable alternative transport system for people to use.

All of the cities and rivers are no more that sewers. The roads and walkways are in an appalling condition; there are too few parks and green spaces for people to relax and enjoy their leisure; the airport, the number one entry point into the country, is just a disgrace. There is litter and garbage strewn everywhere; and to top it off, Jakarta is sinking. However, there are malls, loads of malls: Ask any Jakartan where they go for a bit of culture, and they will probably say a mall. Jakarta is a damning example of the price Indonesia pays for those who lie, cheat, and extort.

Can it change? Is this the turning point that many hope? Do those who have the power to make change actually have the will to carry it through? Or, is everybody who has the power to make change so deeply entrenched themselves, that self-preservation must take precedence? If all of the corrupt officials are gone, is there anybody left to clean up the mess? Is there anyone who has the courage, who is interested only in the nation, with no personal agenda, who can take up the challenge?

Peter Ramsey
Jakarta

Popular

Asia shares hit 15-month high as traders wait for CPI

Putin to visit Beijing, meet Xi this week

Is Indonesia really ready to embrace dual citizenship?