Which part of your country do most people live in?
Most Indonesians live on Java, especially in urban areas like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. Java is the most densely populated island, hosting over half the country’s population due to better job opportunities and infrastructure. While other islands like Sumatra and Bali have growing cities, remote regions such as Papua remain sparsely populated because of limited development and rugged terrain.
Tell me about the main industries there?
Java’s main industries include manufacturing (electronics, automotive like Toyota plants), services (finance, IT in Jakarta’s tech hubs), and agriculture (rice, coffee, and palm oil). Mining and tourism also contribute, though manufacturing and services drive urban growth in cities like Surabaya and Bandung. These sectors provide jobs, but challenges like environmental impact and inequality persist.
How easy is it to travel around your country?
Well, traveling around Indonesia can be convenient in some areas but challenging in others. In Java, especially cities like Jakarta or Yogyakarta, public transport like trains and buses is accessible, though traffic can be really bad during rush hours. However, reaching remote islands or regions like Papua might require flights or ferries, which can be expensive and sometimes delayed due to weather. For example, getting to Bali is easier by plane or fast ferry, but smaller islands might only have weekly boat services. Overall, it depends on where you’re going—urban areas are manageable, but rural or remote destinations need more planning.
Has your country changed much since you were a child?
Indonesia has undergone significant changes since the 1980s, especially economically and infrastructurally. In the 1980s, the economy relied heavily on agriculture, but since then, regulatory reforms have boosted industrialization and services, making Indonesia one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Urban areas like Jakarta now have modern infrastructure, including high-rise buildings and improved transportation networks, unlike the less-developed cities of the past. Technologically, the shift is stark—internet access and smartphone usage are widespread today, whereas in the 1980s, such advancements were unheard of. However, challenges like income inequality and environmental issues persist, reflecting both progress and ongoing struggles.
Describe a well-known person you like or admire. You should say: who this person is – what this person has done – why this person is well known – and explain why you admire this person.
The person I admire most is Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi economist and Nobel laureate. He is best known for founding the Grameen Bank in the 1970s, which pioneered microfinance—providing small loans to impoverished individuals, especially women, who traditional banks refused to serve. His groundbreaking idea was to empower people to lift themselves out of poverty by enabling entrepreneurship without collateral.
Yunus’s work revolutionized global anti-poverty efforts and earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. Today, the Grameen model has inspired similar programs worldwide, helping millions access capital to start businesses like farming, crafts, or small shops. He is also a vocal advocate for social business—ventures aimed at solving societal issues rather than maximizing profit.
I admire Yunus for his compassion and innovative thinking. Instead of charity, he offered dignity through economic independence. His belief that “poverty is a technical issue, not a permanent condition” inspires me to see challenges as solvable. Personally, his approach taught me that even small actions—like supporting local entrepreneurs—can create ripple effects of change. Above all, his lifelong commitment to justice and equity reminds us that progress starts with empathy and creativity.
What kind of people become famous people these days?
These days, many famous people are social media influencers who gain attention through platforms like TikTok or Instagram, sharing content like dance trends or daily life. Others become well-known through reality TV shows, talent competitions, or even controversial actions that go viral online. For example, a comedian with a funny video or someone involved in a public scandal might suddenly gain fame. Essentially, visibility and relatability matter most now, as fame can come quickly if you capture people’s interest or emotions effectively.
Is this different from the kind of achievement that made people famous in the past?
Yes, it’s very different. In the past, fame usually came from significant achievements in fields like acting, sports, or politics, requiring years of effort. Now, people can become famous quickly through viral content, reality TV, or even controversial posts online—without needing traditional skills or long careers. For example, a dancer might gain global recognition overnight with a TikTok video, whereas in the past, they’d need to join a major company or win competitions. Today’s fame often relies more on instant appeal and social media reach rather than lasting accomplishments.
How do you think people will become famous in the future?
In the future, I think people will become famous through social media and viral content, as platforms like TikTok or Instagram allow anyone to gain global attention instantly. Unlike the past, where fame relied on achievements in science or art, today’s trends show that self-promotion, relatable stories, or even controversial posts can propel someone into the spotlight quickly—aligning with Andy Warhol’s idea of “15 minutes of fame.” However, lasting fame might still require unique skills or contributions, such as tech innovation or activism, as seen in historical shifts from inventors to entertainers.
What are the good things about being famous? Are there any disadvantages?
The good things about being famous include financial rewards from endorsements and the ability to influence others on important issues. For example, celebrities can raise awareness for causes like climate change or charity. However, disadvantages include loss of privacy—constant media attention and criticism can be stressful—and pressure to maintain a public image, which might limit personal freedom.
How does the media in your country treat famous people?
In Indonesia, the media often balances admiration and scrutiny when covering famous people. Celebrities and politicians receive positive coverage for achievements but face intense criticism if involved in scandals or controversies. Social media amplifies this, as public figures’ personal lives or opinions—especially on sensitive topics like politics or religion—can quickly go viral, leading to both support and backlash. While this keeps them accountable, it sometimes invades their privacy or fuels sensationalism.
(Sir Wara – 0878 7775 3771)
