I Love Indonesia

Many Indonesian people always say to the world, “I love Indonesia!” “You know what? I’m Indonesian and I love Indonesia!”

But in fact, do we really love Indonesia honestly in our heart and action? Of course I do often say “I love Indonesia”.

However, Indonesian teenagers and I sometimes still have a dream to live in other countries. For example, our teenagers today dream to go to Paris in French, London in UK, New York in US, and another cities around the world. Actually, Indonesia has many beautiful places that is prettier than other places in another countries, like : Taman Laut Bunaken in Sulawesi, Raja Ampat in Papua, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Kuta Beach in Bali, and many more.

Indonesia also has lots of natural resources. In art section, there are many traditional cultures in Indonesia. Those traditional cultures come from many ethnics that each has unique tradition like : custom, tradition, dance, food, and language. One of traditional cultures from Indonesia has been known around the world by UNESCO is Batik as world culture heritage. Saman dance from Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam also has been known in the world. That’s why we should be proud as Indonesian.

However, there’s only small number of Indonesian teenagers who want to take care of art and culture. Mostly, Indonesian teenagers prefer Modern culture like Shuffle Dance, Breakdance, etc.

Also, I have to say about the delicious foods from Indonesia like Rendang. Now, Rendang is known as one of the most delicious food in the world. In case of the delicious taste, our neighbor-Malaysia-try to claim that Rendang is one of its traditional food. Fortunately, all of Indonesian people protect it and announce to the world that Rendang is one of Indonesian country? Is it true that Indonesian people have no attention of their own culture? Does the solidarity come when we are in danger?

Because of that, we as Indonesian people, should hope that our next generation will make Indonesia becomes bigger, greater, and stronger than another country, It is needed to show to the world that Indonesia is a big country with big spirit of the people.

And how to prove our solidarity as Indonesian people? There are many ways to love Indonesia. We can do it by wearing Batik, singing Indonesian traditional song, dancing Saman dance, and many more. I try take to take care Indonesian dance by being Saman dancer. I also try to find the uniqueness, the values and the precious things from this dance. Of course, it is not enough to prove that I love Indonesia deeply. Still, there are many ways to do. Like one of the famous proverb said, “There are many ways to get Rome.”

Broad your mind and your society beyond your imagination. And don’t forget to tell to the whole world about the beauty and uniqueness of Indonesia. Then, we can say loudly and proudly that, “We love Indonesia!”


Written by : Khaerunisyah Risma H (January, 2013)