Oleh I Putu Tirta Agung

It all started as soon as a young child named Indonesia entered kindergarten. When it was time for the drawing class, his teachers always taught him that a mountain must be forever triangular in shape and the sun constantly rise from its back. Furthermore, the teacher would reprimand him if he decorated the coloring sheets passed through the drawing line. Then when Indonesia joined elementary school (Sekolah Dasar, SD), for the first time he was taught to read sentences. Usually the common sentences for reading practices would be like this;

“Ini Budi; Ini bapak Budi; Ini ibu Budi; Bapak pergi bekerja ke kantor, dan Ibu bekerja memasak di dapur”

and if they were translated to English, the sentences would be;

“This is Budi; This is Budi’s father; This is Budi’s mother; Father goes to work to the office and mother cooks in the kitchen”

In addition to describe their meaning, generally the above sentences are followed by some images. But, the most interesting picture is always the one which is used to portray Budi’s father and his office, because Indonesia would spot an image of a man wearing a tie and a suit carrying a suitcase, in a well furnished room (fully equipped with air conditioner, telephone and a personal computer) which is used to represent his office. I wonder what would happen for a child of a garbage man if she/he listens to this rubbish illustration. Furthermore, the phrase “mother cooks in the kitchen” triggers gender discrimination, internalizing Indonesia and a lot of his friend understanding that girls (women)are only suitable for domestic activity.

Enrolling into standard three and with the supervision of his dedicated teacher, Indonesia began to learn the effective “trick” in becoming a successful “walking encyclopedia”. Therefore, if he wanted to study any social science, the best method is only to memorize the year and all-important quotation from every prominent persons in the books, given by his teachers. However, if it were natural science or mathematics consequently all of the formulas would be his main objective. As the result, this wretched situation will remain eternal for the rest of his life.

Nevertheless, why don’t we just wait for a few minutes, so we could carefully observe Indonesia’s experience when he spent his time in high school. For some clarifications, the terms to label high school in Indonesia’s country always alter, for some times it used to be called Sekolah Menengah Umum (SMU), however now it is named Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA). Besides their centralistic educational system, this condition is also due to the country’s common habit, changing the educational curriculums every time a new minister is selected. In the middle of his SMA stage (usually it takes three full years for one student to complete her/his high school phases), Indonesia finally faced his first important moment in shaping the next chapter of his life. It was the time for him to choose his concentrative class, in order to “help” Indonesia determine what he would become if later he reaches his adulthood. Lucky for them with the smart, genius, clever, etc label, since they could choose favorably their own classes.

In details, there are three kinds of classes. First is the natural science class or kelas Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (IPA), which is made for students who wish to be medical doctors, engineers, or other professions that deal exact and natural science. Second, the social science class or kelas Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial (IPS), is the place where future “famous” economists, sociologists, anthropologists, lawyers as well as major company directors, judges, attorneys, and politicians are prepared. Third and though is not common, the linguist class or kelas Bahasa. Subsequently, all the geniuses (at least what their teachers branded them) have the privilege on selecting one of the three classes. However for students with lower academic scores (the teachers often symbolize them as dim, ill disciplined or brainless), will be condemned by enrolling IPS or Bahasa. Typically, based upon their parents’ guidance or other respective people in her/his life recommendations, they (the brilliant students) are forced to sign up with the bona fide IPA class. Hence, Owing to his capability and as an obedient teenager, Indonesia finally obeyed his parents’ (who were both doctors) aspiration to join the kelas IPA.

Just after he had graduated from SMA, once again Indonesia must confronted his second important moment (even more crucial than before). Because that was Indonesia’s point in time to decide which faculty in the university, he should enroll. In Indonesia’s country, seldom of its youth compiled their resolution intentionally upon their own talent, capability and interest. Customarily, they were only following the social trend, attracted by their friends’ consideration, or seduced by lots of eye-catching advertisement made by numerous faculties from various universities in Indonesia’s country. Nonetheless, the former IPA’s students continue on becoming the most fortunate group because being blessed in selecting any faculty they like, which is very distinct from the fate of IPS and Bahasa alumnus.
Persistent to an ambition on becoming a rich and successful entrepreneur, after convincing both of his parents, at last Indonesia chose economics faculty in one of his country’s most outstanding university, as the path in fulfilling his dream. Just for the record, in Indonesia’s country, university students are solemnly entitled Mahasiswa, or if we translate it to English the meaning will be “Great Student”. As the result, the country and its society truly respect all of their Mahasiswa. However whether is it true or not, only Indonesia’s country knows the answer.

Thus as a mahasiswa, things apparently unchanged for Indonesia. In fact, it was getting worse everyday. Still relying on his old “walking encyclopedia” method inside his head, Indonesia tried to graduate as soon as possible while maintaining a high cumulative performance index (IPK) scores. Consequently, Indonesia aimed to be more efficient than effective. He only read all the materials needed for his tests or examination, and always did what all the faculty instructors or professors told him, neglecting the overall construction of his own accumulation stock of knowledge. Yet when it was his time to write his Sarjana (graduate academic title in Indonesia’s country) thesis, Indonesia would do whatever it takes to finish it with less toil. Even if it means he must do some major bootlegging from his seniors work. After all, I think even his professors often did some plagiarism as well. Despite the fact above, we must always appreciate Indonesia by giving him two thumbs up for his obedience, hypocrisy and cunning mind, which was truly inherited by his predecessors.

Three and a half years passed by. Finally, Indonesia received his Sarjana Ekonomi title (Bachelor of Economics) and was ready to conquer the ruthless world. But actually, we ought to feel pity for his future. Because in reality, instead of being a respected leader as well as a successful entrepreneur full with brilliant ideas, this ambitious young man named Indonesia is only suitable to work as a professional COOLIE or an obedient clerk. So don’t ask me what would happen to the fate of Indonesia’s children and grandchildren. I bet you all know the answers.

This writing is actually a translated version of Appendix No. 9, taken from the writer’s Sarjana Thesis, entitled “Ilmu Ekonomi dan Kebebasan”, which was originally published by The Economic Faculty of Satya Wacana Christian University.

I Putu Tirta Agung is the staff member of Jangkang Research Institute.