Do You Love Indonesia?

We just came back from the orphanage. That day we visited an orphanage and see the kids there. It was fun. And affecting me so much. On the way to home, me, Dennis and Ibu Seni talked about interesting conversation about our lovely country, Indonesia.

Conversation in the car:

Dennis: Yeah, i always say from the origin of country. Like Batik..i bought it in Thailand i know it's from Indonesia. So i say it's from Indonesia..

Me: Yes..batik is from Indonesia (smile)

Bu Seni: Mm-hmm.

Dennis: You guys have such a beautiful culture. I went to Bali and saw all your traditional dances. It was mesmerized. I love it. And i realized that we have similar dances. But the different is Thai dances can't move the fingers. We just move the hands. Do you realize that?

Me: Really? Yeah i can dance Balinese dance and we move our fingers.

Bu Seni: Yeah..ulka can dance.

Dennis: Oh..so one of the committee said that "We would like to bring the Thai dancers and saw how they can't move their fingers. Then we teach them." haha

Me: And we can learn something from you guys too.

Dennis: Mm-hmm. Well, it is nice to know Bali and see the beautiful nature of it.

Me: Sure. What conference was it?

Dennis: It's global international conference about culture. It was cool.. and awesome. I think that your country will be one of the leading countries in South East Asia in next few years. Cuz many people study abroad, you guys have good English and yeah it's enough for assets.

Me: Well, i hope so. But i am not sure.

Dennis:  Why?

Me: Cuz not all people will come back to Indonesia. Not all of them will serve Indonesia in their home country.

Dennis: WHY?

Me: Mm..well..cuz we like to stay abroad.. (laughing)

Bu Seni: Ya..there are some reasons..First of all..i think to live abroad is better..

Dennis: But All Thais..we do come back to Thailand after study..we serve Thailand. Is it different with Indonesia?

Bu Seni: Ya..quiet different. Cuz  somehow they don't appreciate for what we've got. What we've been through. We don't get enough salary. And the corruption is.. terrible. I can't imagine to live in the country like that..

Me: I love Indonesia. But i prefer to stay abroad which still allow me to contribute to Indonesia. From journal I publish, article I write, everything will be on behalf of Indonesia. But i am not sure if i want to go back there.

Dennis: It's so pity..i thought all of you will come back to Indonesia. Cuz i see here even in UUM..there are many people from Indonesia. Some of you are lecturers..and you..you are Bachelor direct to PhD.. You guys have a high intelligent capacity. And for a Doctor..it is enough. Your English also good..so perfect. I thought all of you will come back and that's how Indonesia will be one of leading countries in ASEAN, in my opinion. Cuz you make Indonesia better. It will bring the improvement to your country.

Bu Seni: Ya..we hope so..

Me: We do want to come back to Indonesia. But with some conditions. I want my country to have a good appreciation for researcher and academician. No corruption..better one..

Dennis: Ya..we all hope for that. In Thailand, we have corruption as well but not much since last year those who do corruption have been kicked out.

Bu Seni: Mm-hmm..

Me: What time is it?

Dennis: 10. Anyway, I consider Bali as my hometown. It was so much fun when i came there. And the people there..they have such a good personality. So sincere, happy, helpful, it's similar with Thai people. That is why i said..I..consider your country as my country..Thailand. Cuz we share similar values..

Me: Good.. Yeah..Bali is fun.

Emm..sorry Dennis..i think i want to sleep now..cuz i'm so tired. Sorry if i can't accompany you talking. (I look to Bu Seni which has been sleeping since few minutes ago.)

Dennis: Oh ya ya..thanks for the nice talk. (smile)

Me: Your welcome. (smile)

"I Do Love Indonesia."

"I wanna go back there someday."

♥

Chandini