I'm going to go a bit off topic today. (Actually I haven't published in a while because it got to be so much trouble doing all the editing and making things nice n pretty.) You see - there's the idea. Then there's actually getting it down on paper (screen) in a way that makes sense.
Well, from here on out --for a while at least-- I'm conducting and experiment. No massive editing. Just get the thoughts and ideas out there. Add to them later in another blog. Out with the perfectionism. In with the productivity and sharing what's on my mind (so my partner doesn't have to always listen to me repeat them...).
Today's subject is Indonesia.
Unless you live in Southeast Asia, most people don't know much about it. And for good reason. It's not militarily or economically very important on the world stage. You don't exactly have world class universities, tech cities or other great innovations.
And that's what pisses me off. (More on that in a minute.)
Indonesia has almost every resource imaginable. Everything. Minerals, timber, rich fertile land, ocean waters teaming with fish... And that's just the beginning.
In those ocean waters, you'll find some of the most pristine, breathtaking coral on the planet. As well as a diversity of sea life that is almost unparalleled. Think eco-tourism....
Then there is the fertile soil. You can grow almost anything here. And you often have year-round growing. In other words, you can often harvest a crop several times a year.
Oh, and before I forget, the population is 250 million. That's almost as many as the U.S. with 300 million.
So, I ask (rhetorically) with all that vast wealth, why isn't Indonesia a world power or at the very least an economic powerhouse?
To ask in another way: Why is Indonesia so poor and backward?
My opinion?
Because here religion, superstition and the mindless adherence to tradition are all powerful. Most people here simply do not ever reference science, logic or reason when making decisions.
Every major life decision of the vast majority of the population is dictated by the trifecta of religion, superstition and tradition.
Let me give you an example.
Superstition: Here, the belief in black magic is widespread. There was even a law passed recently which makes it possible to imprison someone who is suspected of putting curse on someone else.
Religion: Well, it goes without saying, religion holds an enormous sway over the population. Even those who consider themselves middle or upper class and educated. And everybody kowtows to the caprice and prejudice of the majority because there is no protection under the law.
There are groups which regularly attack and intimidate anyone who attempts to express ideas they are opposed to. And doesn't just mean showing up and protesting peacefully with placards and bullhorns. No. This involves active threats --which are carried out if their demands are not met.
It's a bit like the unions of 100 years ago in the west that would threaten and then destroy property in order to get higher wages. And remember - Not Crossing The Picket Line?
Anyone who dared to go to work during a strike was assaulted and and sometimes killed. Well - it's still like that in Indonesia if you dare to express opinions that these fanatical groups don't approve of. They show up, like those strikers of old and demand that you "cease and distist or else.
Then there is the mindless tradition. Especially prevalent among the ethnic Chinese community. It often seems that no matter how much post-secondary training they receive, they return home to live like their father's father's father's ..... father ad infinity.
There you have it. I see SO much potential in Indonesia which is constantly and continually pissed away by their stubborn refusal to start thinking.
Well, from here on out --for a while at least-- I'm conducting and experiment. No massive editing. Just get the thoughts and ideas out there. Add to them later in another blog. Out with the perfectionism. In with the productivity and sharing what's on my mind (so my partner doesn't have to always listen to me repeat them...).
Today's subject is Indonesia.
Unless you live in Southeast Asia, most people don't know much about it. And for good reason. It's not militarily or economically very important on the world stage. You don't exactly have world class universities, tech cities or other great innovations.
And that's what pisses me off. (More on that in a minute.)
Indonesia has almost every resource imaginable. Everything. Minerals, timber, rich fertile land, ocean waters teaming with fish... And that's just the beginning.
In those ocean waters, you'll find some of the most pristine, breathtaking coral on the planet. As well as a diversity of sea life that is almost unparalleled. Think eco-tourism....
Then there is the fertile soil. You can grow almost anything here. And you often have year-round growing. In other words, you can often harvest a crop several times a year.
Oh, and before I forget, the population is 250 million. That's almost as many as the U.S. with 300 million.
So, I ask (rhetorically) with all that vast wealth, why isn't Indonesia a world power or at the very least an economic powerhouse?
To ask in another way: Why is Indonesia so poor and backward?
My opinion?
Because here religion, superstition and the mindless adherence to tradition are all powerful. Most people here simply do not ever reference science, logic or reason when making decisions.
Every major life decision of the vast majority of the population is dictated by the trifecta of religion, superstition and tradition.
Let me give you an example.
Superstition: Here, the belief in black magic is widespread. There was even a law passed recently which makes it possible to imprison someone who is suspected of putting curse on someone else.
Religion: Well, it goes without saying, religion holds an enormous sway over the population. Even those who consider themselves middle or upper class and educated. And everybody kowtows to the caprice and prejudice of the majority because there is no protection under the law.
There are groups which regularly attack and intimidate anyone who attempts to express ideas they are opposed to. And doesn't just mean showing up and protesting peacefully with placards and bullhorns. No. This involves active threats --which are carried out if their demands are not met.
It's a bit like the unions of 100 years ago in the west that would threaten and then destroy property in order to get higher wages. And remember - Not Crossing The Picket Line?
Anyone who dared to go to work during a strike was assaulted and and sometimes killed. Well - it's still like that in Indonesia if you dare to express opinions that these fanatical groups don't approve of. They show up, like those strikers of old and demand that you "cease and distist or else.
Then there is the mindless tradition. Especially prevalent among the ethnic Chinese community. It often seems that no matter how much post-secondary training they receive, they return home to live like their father's father's father's ..... father ad infinity.
There you have it. I see SO much potential in Indonesia which is constantly and continually pissed away by their stubborn refusal to start thinking.
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