NAME: Merlyn Lumbantoruan
AGE: 33
OCCUPATION: Teacher
LOCATION:  Medan, North Sumatra

How do you think the country is doing now?
Education is expensive, and not all can afford to go to school. The economy is also not that great.

Is the central government in Jakarta doing enough for the regions?
I’m sure they’re doing a good job but sometimes it’s hard to have a balance and do well for all regions.

If you were running the country, what three things would you fix or change immediately?
Education, economy and improve the character of the people towards religion; there are some fanatics who do no good.
What do you think about Bali’s government?
Bali’s government needs to improve the infrastructure. They should do something about the drainage system because many people throw rubbish into it and when it rains everything is flooded. The government needs to pay attention to the importance of having more rubbish collectors and a solid public cleaning service. There should also be strict rules about selling Balinese land and not accepting so many new buildings.

Are you worried about the deadly outbreak of rabies in Bali?
Not anymore, now the vaccine is available.

Indonesia is made up of more than 17,500 islands, many religions, dozens of ethnic groups and hundreds of dialects. Therefore, is it reasonable to expect “Unity in Diversity,” as the founding fathers declared?
I believe we are a community; we are together but have differences.

What are the qualities of an Indonesian?
Hospitality and we are also very traditional. There are very unique cultures on every island.

What for you has been Indonesia’s greatest moment since it declared independence in 1945?
The current government because they have denounced corrupt people and supported the Corruption Eradication Commission, KPK. They’re also good in combating terrorism.

BT/PCAR