Through several weeks of writing this blog, I’ve seen several valuable comments. One of them is from Indra P, in which he commented on the post titled “Pathway to Leadership (Part 2): The word ‘education’”.
“Your posts are pretty good, but they’re too cliché and there are many similar thoughts out there, too. I’m confused as to why your posts receive so many compliments. I don’t mean to be negative about your posts, but I feel that all these “compliments” are a direct reflection of the criticism you wrote about this country.
I think they gave compliments not solely because of what you wrote, but because of your status/wealth. That’s very materialistic. I hope our people can become more objective in the future.
I’m sure you are a good person, but your wealth is blinding”
(Translated by Nenny Soemawinata)
My response to his comments are below.
Indra, my learned friend and fellow citizen, thank you for your observation. If I may, allow me to respond:
- I am glad that there are many with similar thoughts, and I would assume that you would be among them. That being the case, then allow me (through this blog) to serve as a messenger to deliver “our” common beliefs on those subject matters that I think matter most to those not yet enlightened and/or to elevate these considerations to the fore and to the “Top of Mind” of the public domain.
- I, like you, love this country, and I have always believed that criticism for criticism’s sake serves no purpose … however, constructive criticism (which include proposed solutions) on areas where we can improve upon is useful. I am sure that you personally have strong opinions on what we as a society and country could improve upon, and I would be the first to welcome you posting your thoughts on how things (that you feel strongly about) can be improved upon for open and public dialogue, debate, and oftentimes derision … after all, isn’t this the democratic way?
- I would also welcome opposing views on any aspect(s) of the propositions I make … only in this way can I be enlightened on things that I should have considered, learn, and broaden the level of my own thinking.
- There are many of us who seek “role models” … Don’t you think that those individuals being looked up to have a responsibility to reciprocate and do what they can to mentor and support those who look up to them for guidance? Cynicism aside, perhaps compliments are given as a motivation for me to continue writing …
- Finally, I have no political agenda and did not create this blog to stroke my own ego. It was simply created to bring to the fore issues within the areas that my foundation is working on, and to seek support for its endeavors. For example, our Academy in Malang has just finished its recruiting process for this year: out of the 200 slots available, we had over 8,000 applicants, of which over 3,000 (40%) would have been able to pass the qualification criteria set by the academy. Due to current funding constraints, having to reject so many deserving young people from the lower economic quintile saddens me deeply … we need to reach out and get as much support as we can for us to continue and expand our endeavors !!!
To learn more about our Foundation’s endeavors, please visit our web-site at:
“Kendala pendanaan yang terbatas saat ini membuat kita harus menolak begitu banyak orang-orang muda dari golongan ekonomi terendah yangsebenarnya layak mendapat tempat (di Sampoerna Academy), dan hal ini membuat saya sedih sekali…kami harus terus mencari dukungan sebanyak-banyaknya supaya bisa melanjutkan dan memperluasupaya-upaya kami!!!!”>>>>
Bagaimana saya bisa membantu? siapa dan dimana saya bisa bertemu dan turut peran serta untuk membantu atas kendala tadi?
thx