“ If you want to know whether Islam, Democracy, Modernity and Women’s rights can coexist, go to Indonesia, ” U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on a trip to Southeast Asia earlier this year.
Mrs. Clinton has a whole lot of reasons when she said those words, because Indonesia with a population of 240 million people is the fourth most populated country on earth, it has the largest Muslim population, with a land area of around 2 million square kilometers, sucessfully and peacefully carried out national and regional Parliamentary elections last April, Presidential election last July, once had a woman president, economy that is not bad, strong civilian government, improving legal system and implementations, plus a whole lot of other good things.
Compared to other Muslim countries which have been plagued by social and political unrests, e.g Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Afganistan, the over all conditions of Indonesia can be regarded as much better.
For details on the above, please click here.
I pray to God that my fellow Indonesians would work much harder, smarter and less emotional to make sure that everything, including security condition, would be much better. For which purpose we must seriously focus on developing our country, including maintaining our cultural heritage.
GOD BLESS INDONESIA!
Image: Courtesy of Lonely Planet.
6 comments:
This complements a piece I've just written, Harry. Try to get a hold of this week's copy of "The Economist". There is a very detailed report on several aspects of your country. Ana
Hi Ana,
Thank you for the information.
I will check your post and
"The Economist".
Harry...
It would not be good diplomacy if she said anything else, would it? I mean, it is not like she is going to say that there are no redeeming features at all in Indonesia.
Even countries like Iran have prospects for the future in terms of better democracy and greater tolerance.
A country without hope, like people, will surely die.
Rob,
As U.S Secretary of States Mrs. Clinton, she ought to say those
beautiful words. She would not say them if they do not reflect reality.
Of course other countries like Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan have prospects for the future. Thus, their people can always hope for better future.
Again a very interesting post. Indonesia is fourth largest country in terms of population, I never realized it. Indonesia is one of the most peace loving countries and I am also proud to have some of my friends living in Indonesia. The atmosphere,the culture is simply amazing.
Vinai,
Thank you for the kind words we really need supports from our friends.
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