Obama and Indonesia – Why should we care so much anyway?

Barack Obama

So, he’s finally won. Some people celebrate his winning while it might be the contrary for the others. I personally think that he has what it takes to get America through the crisis, although it’s definitely going to be a rough way ahead. Ganbatte ne!

Without lessening any respects to Obama, it bothers me however, that people in Indonesia were overly excited about his candidacy; and now even more over his winning. It’s just amazing how much coverage Obama has had in Indonesian media!!

I was particularly surprised when I read a news article about how students and teachers in the elementary school that Obama went to when he lived in Jakarta went so far as praying for Obama’s winning every morning! And when Obama was leading the vote count, they practically went ecstatic and cheered out loud as if Obama’s winning is also their winning. Err … guys, wake up, he’s not our president!!

Just because he lived in Indonesia for 4 years and has an Indonesian step-father (no, he’s not of Indonesian descent – correct me if I’m wrong tho), it doesn’t mean that Indonesia would be a particular interest in his agenda. Well, we may hope, but then again he has a lot of other problems that he needs to take care of. Don’t get your hope too high!!

As a leader of one of the most powerful countries in the world, there is no doubt that he is going to be a very important and influental figure; but for us, Indonesians, to expect something to that extent, i.e. hoping that Indonesia would now have a very special relationship with the USA … oh, come on! I don’t even mention my elementary school when I try to get a job.

So, anyway, people, get real please! We ourselves are the one who should fight for our own country.

Peace.