Who would want to be associated with the country with highest case of corruptions?
“Born and raised in Indonesia” is now the answer I give to the familiar question people ask whenever they cannot figure out my nationality. This, however, was not the case when people asked me the same question a decade ago. I refused to acknowledge my nationality and was ashamed of it. Who would want to be associated with the country with highest case of corruptions? Or the lack of democracy? Or the 1998 revolution that forced me to move to Singapore for safety? Definitely not me.
Indonesia has changed so much over the course of a decade or so and I could not be more proud to be Indonesian. Over the last few years, we have successfully hosted quite a number of international events, such as Miss World, APEC, WTO conference, and many more. This proves that we are capable of ensuring security and even the international participants agree to that. Those riots and bombings that happened a few years back may be part of our history but Indonesia is able to pick herself up and move on from them. Equal opportunities and rights have been an issue for pretty much all of the countries in the world and having had a woman as our former President showed that we are working towards the right direction against these problems.
Politically aside, Indonesia’s biodiversity is unbelievably impressive. Ranging from natural gas, marine life, land animals, exotic plants, etc, we have it all. To name a few, we are the largest supplier of liquid natural gas, have the most extensive collections of coral reefs, largest number of shark species, have Komodo (only living ancient dragon), have Rafflesia Arnoldi, which is the world’s largest flower, and many more. Our country’s beauty has made us into the top 10 most visited countries in Asia and yet, there are still many uncovered gems that have yet to be explored.
Among all of the things that make me proud to be Indonesian, I am most proud of what Indonesia has made me into. I am what and where I am now because of what Indonesia has done and given to me. I grew up eating the most delicious food that I believe everyone can agree to. I was fortunate to grow up in a country where beautiful sceneries are everywhere. Most importantly, I received the best education and experience both through school and society that has enabled me to get a full ride scholarship through college in the US as well as getting accepted internationally known program for PhD in Biomedical Science.
I did not choose to be born as an Indonesian, but I am most certain that it is and will always be the best present ever given to me. Indonesia may not be the best country in the world, but it is the best for me and I am proud to call myself an Indonesian.
