Name: Ni Ketut Indrawati
Age: 18
Occupation: Design Student
Origin: Denpasar

How do you think people overseas see Indonesia?
Unique and full of culture.

What are the barriers to development in this country?
The way that people think. The government is trying to change it but the people are not listening. For example, some people fill 3kg gas canisters from 15kg canisters, and that’s why we’ve had all the gas explosions.

Do you think corruption is getting worse?
It’s not only getting worse; it has developed into a disease whose growth is unstoppable, even in the KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) itself.

What real steps can be taken to stamp out graft?
Punishment must be tougher. And we must choose a leader who is truthful.

Some say Indonesia should help mediate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because of its large Muslim population and President Yudhoyono has signalled an interest. What’s your view?
It’s essential for humanity. But Indonesia itself is not yet stable, so we don’t need to be so focused on other problems. We were also attacked by Israel, a couple of months ago; we became a victim.

There’s a view that Bali, in many respects, is unlike anywhere else in Indonesia. Why do you think that is?
The culture, traditions, belief, an exploration of a belief in a different way yet still to the one God Almighty, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

One of Bali’s main problems right now is the deadly outbreak of rabies. Stray dogs continue to roam the streets, posing a serious health risk to people. Do you think not enough is being done to counter this crisis, given that almost 100 people have died?
Yes. My dog was almost killed due to it being very skinny. There should be more vaccination for dogs and socialisation should be much better, especially regarding culling, because it can cause hatred towards the government.

How do you relate to Indonesians from other islands – Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Papua and many more. Is there a common bond between you all?
There is. Indonesia is one nation as Sumpah Pemuda (The Youth Pledge, 1928) says: one language – Indonesian language; one nation – Indonesian nation; and one native soil – Indonesian native soil.

What’s your view of the legacy of centuries of Dutch rule?
There are good and bad sides to it. The bad: they lied to us, restrained us from the outside world and didn’t give us any space. But besides that, the Dutch educated our nobles. Sukarno freed Indonesia by being educated by the Dutch themselves.

Indonesia has had six presidents since independence in 1945. Which one stands out the most for you, and why?
Sukarno. He battled to get Indonesian independence, which now needs to be defended by us.

BT/SS