I just read the Lain Berman article on the Indonesian drug problem. Of the many hundreds of articles that I’ve read on Indonesia, Berman’s was the very best I’ve encountered regardless of topic.

Keep up the terrific work — more of the rest of the world is more concerned about Indonesia than one may imagine, even if the investment community (that caused so much damage) has largely left.

Don Roper
Professor of International Finance
University of Colorado, Boulder
15 October 2003

Because John Howard plans to attend the Bali memorial and make it a political event, some families will not attend in protest. Surely, families should be allowed to mourn in dignity. While many Indonesians had sympathy for the victims, many others now point to the attack on Iraq with contempt for John Howard. His presence can only tarnish the memory of the victims.

Peter Smernos
South Australia
2 October 2003

I’m sorry, but your suggestion that people access Amazon.com to inquire about English versions of Pramoedya just doesn’t make any sense to me. In the ‘Alliances against Globalisation’ edition of Inside Indonesia, superficially and hypocritically, you recommend that readers access the anathema of the Australian independent bookseller to purchase alternative literature! In my mind, it’s the same as suggesting we go to McDonalds for a vegetarian meal [I’ll wait outside].

I have had excellent service from Gleebooks (www.gleebooks.com.au) all through my PhD program — and out the other side — for many years. I have no vested interest in Gleebooks, apart from receiving exceptional, sensitive, and caring service from Gleebooks and other independent booksellers for over 30 years.

In future, please steer your reading public in that direction, we cannot do without them. And, yes, Gleebooks do have Pramoedya in English available — as their on line inquiry system shows.

Gerry Mckeown
Driver, Northern Territory
23 October 2003

Your Say, Your Debate

Inside Indonesia would like to increase the opportunity for our readers to participation in each edition of the magazine. We would like to encourage debate among our readers regarding key issues. The Editor will suggest a topic for debate that is relevant to the edition. We encourage all of our readers to write to the Editor (editor@insideindonesia.org) regarding your views and opinions on the topic of debate. Please send you letters regarding the following topic to our Editor before March:

Should Australia re-establish military ties with Indonesia?