Obama’s Indonesian Dazzles at State Dept.
EmailABC News’ Kirit Radia Reports: As President Obama worked the rope-line at the State Department Thursday, a State Department staffer named Charles Silver, knowing the President once lived in Indonesia, shouted out, "good afternoon" in the local language.
Obama responded back in what Silver later told ABC News was "very good" Bahasa Indonesian. The two then chatted briefly about the neighborhood Obama once lived in.
When the staffer asked if Obama had lived in the Jakarta neighborhood where embassy staffers live, Obama replied that was for rich people, and he lived in another neighborhood with a similar name, one that Silver said is where the "real people" live.
Silver told ABC News that he has been stationed in Indonesia off and on since 1969. He’s currently working in the State Department’s Office of Inspector General.
As far back as March 2007, Obama pointed to his years in Indonesia as helping to prepare him for the presidency.
"If I go to Jakarta and address the largest Muslim country on earth, I can say, ‘Apa kabar,’ — you know, ‘How are you doing?’ — and they can recognize that I understand their common humanity," Obama told the National Jewish Democratic Council during a Washington, D.C. forum.
"That is a strength," he continued, "and it allows me to say things to them that other presidents might not be able to say. And that’s part of what’s promising, I think, about this presidency."
ABC News’ Teddy Davis contributed to this report.
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Amen, Amen and even though I’m an Atheist, I say Amen. How better is it to have an intelligent president than the one we’ve been stuck with for 8 years? Amen….
Posted by: JR | January 22, 2009, 6:40 pm 6:40 pm
It’s so exciting that being smart and having a world view is back in vogue in the White House.
Posted by: ScoutieDog | January 22, 2009, 6:42 pm 6:42 pm
Geez. He lived there for four years as a child. His teachers are on record as saying he didn’t do very well learning the language. So how did he suddenly become so proficient?
Posted by: Keith | January 22, 2009, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm
we always welcome to you, Mr. President. I am Indonesian and i am glad because at last American people get a president with truly global blood inside like you.When you come to Indonesia, we will say ” Selamat Datang kembali di Kampung Halaman anda, Barry “
Posted by: ferry | January 22, 2009, 7:04 pm 7:04 pm
Next, we’ll learn how well he speaks Arabic from his myster tour to Pakistan in 1981.
Posted by: Bill | January 22, 2009, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
Yes, a President speaking Spanish is just sooo pedestrian. Speaking Indonesian is much more relevant to the American people.
BTW, wonder why he didn’t do a few Indonesian shout outs during the campaign…you know, to let folks know how cosmopolitan he is? Oh, that’s right. He’s too humble to show off.
Posted by: Grand Old Party | January 22, 2009, 8:27 pm 8:27 pm
Keith: Since when does being able to understand the phrase “Good Afternoon” and having the knowlege to respond “Very Good” proficient? If that’s proficient I know quite a few languages… I think the President knows general greetings, but may not actually be able to carry on complex converstions. I suspect this is why he quickly changed the language of the conversation back to English. Regardless, it is incredibly refreshing to have a President that has an understanding and respect for all cultures, instead of just his own self interests.
Posted by: Wes | January 22, 2009, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm
They Speak Urdu in Pakistan not Arabic. We really need to educate ourselves about the world if we are to lead the world..
Posted by: Concerned Citizen | January 22, 2009, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm
Grand Old Party: Dubya spoke barely passable Spanish. He spoke what some might call “party trick” Spanish in that he could throw out a few key phrases to amuse and impress gringos. His brother Jeb, on the other hand, is truly fluent in Spanish. He’s probably the smartest ad most accomplished of that generation of Bushes (#43 included!).
Autish: You tell ‘em! Truth to power. Thanks for the free linguistics lesson.
Posted by: ExpatMama | January 22, 2009, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm
Details matter! Details is what got us in trouble in Iraq and Afghanistan. We need to studied these cultures carefully, develop necessary alliances if we are to invade these countries. Pouring trillions into Tanks and smart weapons has been a failed formula!
Obama’s disposition towards foreign nation is friendly. However, rhetoric will need to be reflected into action as well. Otherwise he is just a slick salesman who can fool them once or twice. Thorough review of US Foreign Policy is needed to ensure that RULE OF LAW is upheld regardless of what national security interest?? it may allegedly compromise!
Posted by: Concerned Citizen | January 22, 2009, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
I’m still not impressed. Saying “Terima kasih” and “Apa kabar” is like me saying “Gracias, como estas” and I will be embarrassed if anyone says I’m proficient in Spanish. I’m going to wait until he actually comes here to Indonesia and start spewing complete Indonesian sentences. Then I will be impressed.
Posted by: Ian | January 22, 2009, 9:07 pm 9:07 pm
ExpatMama: Dubya spoke barely passable English!
Posted by: Hardlyleft | January 22, 2009, 9:10 pm 9:10 pm
Ahhh…. what a great feeling. At long last we have a intelligent person as president!
Posted by: Sanjoy Das | January 22, 2009, 9:15 pm 9:15 pm
Being in Jakarta during the last 4 months, I am of the opinion that Indonesian think Barack Obama is their ‘president’. Everybody here believe they’re strongly connected to him. The elementary school Obama attended is continually having celebrations about Obama. Pathetic!
Posted by: wise spaniard | January 22, 2009, 9:15 pm 9:15 pm
That is how Indonesian people are. We welcome everyone. Even Obama speaks very little Indonesian, they will consider him as one of them. As a foreigner, if you speak Indonesian, even a little, they
will respect you more. Unlike in other countries. I have traveled to more than 70 countries.
Posted by: Indonesian | January 22, 2009, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm
To Bill: They speak Urdu in Pakistan, not Arabic.
Posted by: AB | January 22, 2009, 9:29 pm 9:29 pm
Obama speaks more than just a few words in Bahasa indonesian, I’ve heard him speak fluent Indonesian sentences. Although Bahasa Indonesian isn’t a hard language to learn, geez some people here are jealous of the fact that we finally have a smart President.
Posted by: KB | January 22, 2009, 9:30 pm 9:30 pm
President Bush conversed with Vincente Fox in Spanish when they met. But don’t let facts detract from irrational Bush-bashing.
Posted by: Grand Old Party | January 22, 2009, 9:38 pm 9:38 pm
his sister is half indonesian. his step father, mother’s husband was indonesian. ignorance is not patriotism.
Posted by: paulette | January 22, 2009, 9:42 pm 9:42 pm
Yes! MY President! I won’t pinch myself just yet!
Posted by: Jerry | January 22, 2009, 9:47 pm 9:47 pm
Mr.President got it going on he so smart, and intelligent. i believe he will put UNITED STATES back onthe right track. Please just give him a chance stop hating on him very awesome and honorable.
Posted by: charlotte of Memphis | January 22, 2009, 9:49 pm 9:49 pm
Yes, countries and people that are jealous of Americans or realize that they aren’t going to step all over us generally feel that way. But, now that that it’s back to the good ‘ol Carter/Clinton days they are definitely rejoicing.
Posted by: Grand Old Party | January 22, 2009, 10:11 pm 10:11 pm
His accent is pretty good, at least better than the FSO. Obama spent four years at an Top Indonesian Elementary school from 6-10. I know a 7 year old Canadian kid who spent 2-3 years in an Indonesian school just like Obama. His parents were working there in a remote part of Indonesia with no International School.
While Obama lived in a normal neighborhood, the last school he went to was a top state school. A lot of government officials and even Suharto’s son (the former dictator) went there. So of course, Obama struggled. Its like putting an immigrant child in a school where all the kids are sons of bankers, government officials. I am sure his step father had to pay a “donation” to get him in.
Posted by: William | January 22, 2009, 10:59 pm 10:59 pm
Obama is the man. Bush could barely speak english.
Posted by: Mike C | January 22, 2009, 11:17 pm 11:17 pm
“Apa kabar” is a good start for him, and even for everyone who have never learned Indonesian language.
Posted by: dyah larasati | January 22, 2009, 11:24 pm 11:24 pm
Whoa, he still knows how to speak Indonesia in the right accent!
Saying “Apa kabar?” and “Terima kasih” is just so ordinary, but when he said “Menteng Dalam” (a part of area in Jakarta), I know that he still be able to speaks Indonesian fluently. :) Greetings from Jakarta, Indonesia!
Posted by: Daniel Giovanni | January 23, 2009, 12:01 am 12:01 am
No matter how small he speaks in Bahasa, but his quick response to someone greeting in Bahasa to him is quite amazing… in particular, he just spent his 4 years childhood in Jakarta…
Posted by: Basyir Freiren Nasution | January 23, 2009, 12:06 am 12:06 am
it’s not special for me. I just hope, obama survive from other pressure in his capital.
Posted by: Paijos | January 23, 2009, 12:44 am 12:44 am
When he said “Menteng Dalam it’s mean Below Menteng” It reflected he fluent in Indonesian language.
I hope you can change US Image in Indonesia.
God Bless U Obama
Posted by: Andi Tanudiredja | January 23, 2009, 12:55 am 12:55 am
hayah……..indonesian is too much, just because he lived here for several years he has blood of indonesian….indonesian…stop beeing so extraordinary….
Posted by: hello | January 23, 2009, 1:32 am 1:32 am
THANK YOU MR OBAMA FOR BRINGING ALL HUMAN RACES AND COLOR TOGETHER. WE HAVE FINNALY UNITED TOGETHER.WE ARE ALL PEOPLE, COLOR, AND RACE,SHOULD NOT MATTER. YOU ARE A BRAVE, AND SMART MAN.GOD PUT YOU ON THIS EARTH FOR ALL OF US. WE CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR YOUR COURAGE,GREATNESS,AND DRIVE TO MAKE OUR COUNTRY THE BEST WE HAVE EVER BEEN. WE LOVE YOU!
Posted by: barbara glodfelter | January 23, 2009, 3:57 am 3:57 am
I also heared, that he sometimes is missing the indonesian food. Don´t know how good the indonesian restaurants are in the us, here in germany they are sadly not that original and also ridiculously expensive. (well at least the last point shouldn´t be a problem for him)…
Selamat Makan!
Posted by: marc | January 23, 2009, 6:40 am 6:40 am
wow, it’s really amazing to hear A PRESIDENT of America, talking Indonesians, even it’s just a bit…
BRAVO!
Posted by: Uline Ayu Pangesti | January 23, 2009, 8:14 am 8:14 am
From what I know. Even He left Indonesia for Hawaii, He still came back several times to visit his step sister and her mom. And even in the 90′s, he still more than once came to Indonesia visting his step father family. So I bet he still can communicate in Indonesian. And ‘Apa khabar’ is a good start to show off!
I lived in France for 3 years although I forgot most of ‘les conjugations francais’ I still can understand french movies like 60-80%.
We wish u well Mr. OBAMA.
Posted by: Eka | January 23, 2009, 8:30 am 8:30 am
I think it’s amazing that we finally have a President that has TRUE global perspective.
Posted by: Anissa | January 23, 2009, 8:54 am 8:54 am
when Barry was in his elementary school in Menteng Dalam (Jakarta, Indonesia) his teacher asked him what he would be when he grows up, and he answered he wanted to become a President.
well he HAD A DREAM…
oh one mor thing… he also knew very well Indonesian’s Pancasila – the nation basic guidelines.
and now that active kid is the 44th President of USA.
Posted by: Lei | January 23, 2009, 8:58 am 8:58 am
Barry, maybe you are the one..choose by God to straighten up the world that could be worse. Maybe Barry Obama learn PMP (Pendidikan Moral Pancalisa = Pancasila Moral Learning). PMP is learning how become humble, respect to other religion, Unity behind different, deliberate to reach unanimous agreement and prosperity. That program promoted by Soeharto regime.
Posted by: hum | January 23, 2009, 10:03 am 10:03 am
I think “Menteng Dalam” should translate to “Inner Menteng”, although “Below Menteng” can still be accepted in certain considerations.
Posted by: jaka | January 23, 2009, 10:38 am 10:38 am
Awesome, Barry. I never thought someone who only lived there for four years would even care to put effort to remember the language. Yes, he may not be able to speak the language in complex sentences format. However , how can you justify a high expectation for that?
His fast and confident reply is the one that matters. It shows that he’s indeed has not forgotten and is not afraid to speak the language.
Posted by: Anti Hello | January 23, 2009, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm
Yeah, the terrorists he’s letting go love him too.
It’s just great that he knows how to surrender in more than one language.
Posted by: J | January 23, 2009, 12:29 pm 12:29 pm
congratulations, president barack obama! we love you and are so grateful that you decided to take on this job at this time. all the best to you and to america. it’s only the beginning.
Posted by: obama 2009 and beyond | January 23, 2009, 1:05 pm 1:05 pm
I am proud that our new President can speak Bahasa, Indonesian. It shows that he is worldly and cultured. What a great day for America and the world.
Posted by: SK Duncan | January 23, 2009, 2:44 pm 2:44 pm
I’m half Indonesian and honestly, for those who say Bahasa Indonesia is not hard to master, clearly haven’t even attempted to learn. I admire President Obama for his ability in delivering such a smooth Indonesian accent because it’s the hardest part of the language.
By the way, it’s Bahasa Indonesia. Not Bahasa Indonesian. And don’t hate the fact that Mr. President spent some time in Indonesia. Hate yourselves for not being as lucky thus not as cultured and worldly.
Posted by: Karen S | January 23, 2009, 6:08 pm 6:08 pm
Wise Spaniard, why is it pathetic that Indonesians feel that Obama belongs to them and that his former school celebrates him continuously? This is not a rhetorical question. Please explain what you mean.
Posted by: elvischannel | January 23, 2009, 8:51 pm 8:51 pm
You can, Obama! And you will!!!
Posted by: Wati Suwito | January 23, 2009, 10:15 pm 10:15 pm
it doesn’t matter whether he speaks a fluent Bahasa Indonesia or a broken one…but I have a good faith in him being 44th president of USA…he’s different and I’m sure he’ll make a big difference. Selamat, Pak!
Posted by: pops | January 23, 2009, 10:58 pm 10:58 pm
I am impressed……not only by President Obama’s knowledge but more importantly at the humble mannerism in his response. He stated that he did not come from the area where the rich live but from the “low Meteng”. His remark shows that he shares commonality with everyday people. Coming from a President of the US, this shows his remarkably good character.
Posted by: GL | January 24, 2009, 12:50 am 12:50 am
Jr some things can only be expressed with relgion.
Obama’s grasp of other languages is great.
Posted by: knocker | January 24, 2009, 1:40 am 1:40 am
that is good, he is able to speak in bahasa. As a malaysian, i’m really proud to Mr Obama, you can speak our language.. ya, bahasa indonesia is derived from ours. Malaysia welcomes you, obama
Posted by: Shahrizah Noor | January 24, 2009, 2:03 am 2:03 am
This is the most outrageous yet lame news I’ve ever read in my life. It is so embarrassing to know how unintelligent and low the Indonesians are by reading they’re responses to this article.
I have nothing against Indonesia. I am myself an American-Indonesian. But to give praise to Barry and think that he’s a savior because he can say a phrase or two in Indonesian is just plain dumb.
And sorry, BARRY, it isn’t as easy as you said to “understand” us. You might have spent your 4 years in Indonesia, but that didn’t give you any credits. I voted for you and I am glad that you are the president of of this country; but some times you’re just talking out of control — that makes you seem naive and might ###### some people as well.
Posted by: Josh Mandik | January 24, 2009, 5:34 am 5:34 am
I don’t think Indonesia is the largest Muslim country. Indonesia is a Republic even though the majority of the people are Muslim.
Posted by: menteng | January 24, 2009, 9:56 am 9:56 am
marc—what else did you “heareded”? if you want to get some good indonesian food there is plenty in the states and great places to eat in Indonesia. sorry restaurants are expensive in germany. they are here as well.
Posted by: Paul Wall | January 24, 2009, 1:08 pm 1:08 pm
Attention American media:
In Indonesian, it’s “Bahasa Indonesia.” In English, it’s “Indonesian,” or “the Indonesian language.” In Indonesia, people informally call it “bahasa” in both Indonesian and English, but that just means “language.” I ask someone if they speak “bahasa” well if I haven’t figured out if they’re Malaysian or Indonesian, because “Bahasa Melayu” is the similar Malay language, also known as “bahasa.” Usually they are so busy noticing that I said “bahasa,” they don’t have time to notice that I can’t tell where they’re from.
But there is no such thing as “Bahasa Indonesian.” Let’s refer to these beautiful languages correctly.
Posted by: Brian | January 24, 2009, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
Brian—thanks for your post, Brian. education is everything. it’s cool you took the time to explain the language and its uniqueness. knowledge is always a good thing.
Posted by: Paul Wall | January 24, 2009, 1:55 pm 1:55 pm
Indonesia is a big country with more than 13.000 islands spread out inside. our population is the third larger in the world with more than 250 million people. More than 80% of our population are moslem.
Mr. Obama speak two Indonesian simple words ” terima kasih” dan “apa kabar” and also remember his home in “Menteng Dalam”. All Indonesian people’s are very pleased for his admission.
What credits he got from it? imagine yourselves….
Posted by: Firmansah | January 24, 2009, 2:19 pm 2:19 pm
Shahrizah Noor,
I speak Indonesian fluently and I don’t understand Malay at all. I know Indonesian is derived from Malay but when it comes to a complex conversation, they are completely different languages.
Posted by: PL | January 24, 2009, 6:52 pm 6:52 pm
I’ve been to Indonesia six times myself
For me though, what differentiates Barack Obama from George W. Bush, isn’t that Obama can speak Indonesian, but that he can speak English.
Posted by: Scott | January 24, 2009, 8:43 pm 8:43 pm
Marc, there are exceptionally few Indonesian restaurants here in the US. There is a good one in Manhattan (the only one in Manhattan) called Bali Nusa Indah.
Most of them are in LA. I like Ramayana of Westwood.
If you are ever in Montréal, there is a fantastic one in Mile End (the only Rumah Maken Indonesia in Montréal) called Nonya. You can order in English, French or Indonesian.
There is only one in New England, Dave’s Spicy House in Somersworth, New Hampshire.
I’ve never found Indonesian food in Germany, although I had a lot of great food at alstadt in Düsseldorf.
Posted by: Scott | January 24, 2009, 9:07 pm 9:07 pm
Ferry who? You asked if Pres. Obama speaks Arabic after visiting Pakistan? Pakistan is an ethnic indian state with people speaking Urdu, the Hindustan version spoken by Muslim Pakistanis. FYI, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey too are not arab. They speak their distinctive languages.
tatu
Posted by: tatu f. maulani | January 24, 2009, 10:09 pm 10:09 pm
Congratulations, Mr. President! I’m Indonesian but am so grateful because American people get a president like you.
Posted by: Hannie, Jakarta | January 25, 2009, 1:06 am 1:06 am
I think he’s good for his fast respond and his openness in speaking other language to respect the audience and not afraid to engage in various topics.
to Shahrizah Noor;
Bahasa Indonesia is definitely not derived from Malaysian Language, but mainly derived from Melayu Language which spans from Sumatera to Malaysian Peninsula.
Posted by: Highground | January 25, 2009, 9:30 am 9:30 am
Indeed obama had lived in Indonesia when he still in the primary school so able to speak Indonesia although only a little
Posted by: Bloggerwangi | January 25, 2009, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
Obama was simply responding to the guy’s greeting in Indonesian, no need to freak out. Why so angry?
Posted by: Mike C | January 25, 2009, 5:02 pm 5:02 pm
Mr. President just spoke a few words.. nothing bizarre about it.. He is ok guy, not my favorite but still respect him as a president of United State. Neither Bush nor Obama is stupid, is not easy to lead a country. Whether you are agreed or not with your President decision, you still have to support him.. If you would like other country to respect the United State of America, you have to respect your own country first, including your President…
Posted by: HalfHalf | January 25, 2009, 8:22 pm 8:22 pm
I would like to congratulate the new President of the United States, Barrack Obama. I am very proud that President Obama ever took his primary school in Menteng Dalam, Jakarta Indonesia. In addition, he can speak Indonesian a little. I hope that US-Indonesia relations will be better in the future for the mutual benefits of both countries
Posted by: alizar | January 25, 2009, 8:51 pm 8:51 pm
I know how to say,
danke,gracias,koniciwa,nihao,arigato,guthentaag..etc..
Most of tourists in Bali can say, good morning, thank you and even complete sentences in Indonesian language.
Can Obama do the same thing?
Posted by: catleya | January 25, 2009, 11:09 pm 11:09 pm
I just like to comment a bit about this.
I think the message in here is that the fact that the president of a country being able to converse in another language other than his native language. Being able to understand more than one language will give you “opportunity” to more possibilities, understanding other traditions, other point of view, histories, hopes and values. This might not guarantee his success as a president, but for anyone that bilingual (or more) they would understand how much more “previliledges” you have to understand more of the world. The world is not consist of one country. The prides, the amazement of these fine blogger should be perceived as such. I am sure President Obama did not meant to even show of his Indonesian language, he was just being polite answering in the language. It is also OK, if he only knows 2 or 3 words. We should not argue of how much he knows, whether he really knows, criticizing the ones that are proud of it, the ones that amazed by him. Just keep in mind that that possiblity of the President to be more open mind, that would be enough for now. just my thoughts
Posted by: oneinpa | January 26, 2009, 1:30 am 1:30 am
I can’t wait to hear what Pakistani dialect he can speak. Afterall Mr World Obama went to Pakistan in 1981 on his Indonesian passport..a passport that is only for Indonesian citizens..NOT US citizens. Slum Dog Obama.
Posted by: Sam Deakins | January 26, 2009, 6:37 am 6:37 am
all bow to the great and wonderful barry..i guess jfk addressing the german people wasnt in their language. hey barry, ever heard of rosetta stone? what an idiot.
Posted by: not a kool aid drinker | January 26, 2009, 6:47 am 6:47 am
What a wonderful, wonderful president! Is there anything he can’t do? He’s as versatile as bacon. You can’t do better than that.
Posted by: Mason | January 26, 2009, 11:20 am 11:20 am
I just want to know the name of the Hospital where B.H. Obama was born and the name of the Dr. that delivered him.
Posted by: Riley | January 26, 2009, 1:01 pm 1:01 pm
Obamessiah returns to his homeland as a salmon to the stream that spawned it.
Isn’t it nice to have an illegal alien as the American president? Hell, we’ve given away the rest of our heritage to the Third World… why not our highest office, too?
END THE OBAMANATION – ARREST BARACK
Posted by: Spirit of '76 | January 26, 2009, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Was strongman Hussein born in Kenya, or in Indonesia? What did he give the governor of Hawai’i to help cover up the lack of a hawaiian birth certificate?
Posted by: henny | January 26, 2009, 4:07 pm 4:07 pm
Our President is a Kenyan Tribesman. So says his grandmother in Kenya. Hillery had the documentation is how she bought the Secretary of State.
Posted by: Riley | January 26, 2009, 5:33 pm 5:33 pm
Interesting, I’m still waiting to hear if BHO was and is legally named Barry Soetoro because he was legally adopted by his stepfather and is actually an Indonesian citizen. His school record from that country says that he is /was (who knows) an Indonesian citizen. This needs to be cleared up. ALso , how about some school records from the USA. I don’t believe that BHO ever went to school in America. No records have ever been produced. Huh?
Posted by: jimmyp | January 26, 2009, 7:21 pm 7:21 pm
If I go to Jakarta and address the largest Muslim country on earth, I can say,,,,,
Mr President, Indonesia is not the largest Muslim country on earth, infact Indonesia is not even a Muslim country.
The government never declares it.
They let Indonesians choose their own religions without forcing them into Muslim.
Posted by: cilla | January 26, 2009, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm
“being smart is back in vogue”..Really? For a guy who is so smart he seems to have picked a second rate cabinet, has proposed a ludicrous stimulus that will make things worse, and has now allowed States to force US car manufacturers to retool to make cars people don’t want so that we can give them $50 billion in tax payer money and make the cars people do want more expensive. Wow-he speaks some Indonesian. how do you say, “cut the terrorist stuff out and the Islam stuff sucks to” in Indonesian?
Posted by: dd | January 26, 2009, 7:45 pm 7:45 pm
Of course he speaks a foreign language. Foreigners usually do. I am not convinced he is an American born individual, and I know he is merely the puppet for higher individuals, the ones most people would never believe exist. If you do not believe in God, now would be a good time to try Him out. The real God I mean.
Posted by: not fooled | January 26, 2009, 9:58 pm 9:58 pm
Let’s not glorify anyone because nobody’s perfect, but we can fully respect a person for his/her efforts in speaking different languages. The function of any language is to facilitate communication. So Obama’s try in speaking some phrases in Indonesian is a sample of reflection on his will to communicate openly with the world. This will improve US reputation in this supposedly beautiful world.
Posted by: Pratiwi, Jakarta | January 26, 2009, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm
Wow!
Posted by: farras | January 26, 2009, 10:38 pm 10:38 pm
well, i was hoping for more “open mind” kind of discussion. Never mind then.
No harm trying, I guess. Have a good day.
Posted by: oneinpa | January 26, 2009, 11:29 pm 11:29 pm
his full name is Barack Husein Obama Jr.
(one R at “Barack”, and not two).
Barry Soetoro is how his elementary schools friends called him. the friends were hardly to believe that Senator Obama – who join the US President Candidacy – was their same buddy Barry (two R).
Posted by: Lei | January 27, 2009, 8:35 am 8:35 am
uh um ah er…….what i meant was.. ah er um uh…
YEP OBAMA IS THE SMARTEST PRESIDENT EVER!!!
Bruuuaahaahaaaw!!! ROFLMAO!!!
Posted by: djia | January 27, 2009, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm
“They Speak Urdu in Pakistan not Arabic. We really need to educate ourselves about the world if we are to lead the world..”
90% of the country and the whole constitution is written in english. Urdu is nothing but a propaganda tool, and more Indians in East India speak it than Pakistanis so we might pretend we’re all so smart. But why dont we just realize that Obama is the president and he is proud about his roots.
Posted by: Bolt | January 27, 2009, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm
“Dubya spoke barely passable Spanish.”
Actually, it was English that was W’s main challenge. Also logic; in his last news conference he called finding no WMDs in Iraq a “disappointment”!! Imagine how soothing that logic was to parents of dead U.S. soldiers.
Language is a good tool, but there needs to be a brain behind it. The kindest thing you could say about GWB was that he was a lightweight. He had no business being in the White House.
Posted by: Aver | January 27, 2009, 7:54 pm 7:54 pm
You can watch the look of Menteng Dalam,”Elbow Menteng” in Indonesia by YouYube
‘Obama’s Dreams from Jakarta,Menteng Dalam&Menteng’
Posted by: Yoshi | January 28, 2009, 12:11 am 12:11 am
He’s truly awesome !
Posted by: Richard, USA | January 28, 2009, 12:40 am 12:40 am
iam proud of you mr obama,and good luck and indonesian people support you.
Posted by: retnodunn | January 28, 2009, 5:53 pm 5:53 pm
I think what he’s trying to say to this person was “I wasn’t live in Menteng but Menteng Dalam which is below (lower class) than Menteng”
Eitherway, I’m Indonesian and am marrying an American, also happy to welcome him and relief that he could live up his dream :) how many of us could actually pursue our childhood dream and ended up real?
Cheers,
Posted by: mixedwr | January 29, 2009, 12:44 am 12:44 am
Interesting.The article has lasted for a whole week and still lures peoples to cast their point. This 44th president is indeed a valuable gift Americans can give to the media (or the other way round) .
Mr Obama has been and possibly always will charmed us all. However,I think we must be honest and ask ourselves: wouldn’t it be ‘harmed’ him if we keep deliver these praises but keeping our view unbalance? In this wildly uncertain situation criticism and support are being extremely important.
I think it would be handy for him if we just let the chief lead the country while assure ourselves of being critical to any decisions he made.
Selamat bertugas,pak.
Posted by: Zawani | January 29, 2009, 1:15 pm 1:15 pm
I’m an American born Indonesia, I just want to say that i’m proud that Mr. President still remembered where he came from..it doesn’t really matter how long he stayed in Indonesia, but the fact that he still remember the language is amazing to me!.
For those haters in this blog, sorry…wether u like it or not,he,Mr. Obama, used to lived with his Indonesian-Step-Father,so he is a part of Indonesian! and i think since we believe in “freedom- of- speech” in this country, all of u should give him a respect!!
(and i can bet if Mr. President would speak other language such as French, German, Spanish..etc..it won’t be this complecated..)
**i’d rather have a president that able to speak childhood language that he only learned for 4 years, than a president that couldn’t even pronounced the word “nucklear”**
So…Mr. President, CONGRATULATIONS!we are very proud of u!!
jangan lupa mampir di Simpang Asia-Santa Monica, L.A. kalo datang ke L.A!
Posted by: *tinkerbell* | January 29, 2009, 2:32 pm 2:32 pm
hhmm..why these people are sooo busy talking about Mr. Obama?? i dont think that he’s that special so you can speak alot about him. it’s just because he is the 1st black man who will rule america (sorry not for racism act), and he was stay in indonesia (that most of opinion about this country is the terrorists “basecamp”) for while, and just because his step-dad is indonesian!!! just it..!!nothing more.
and everyone in this world i believe are able to speak off what Mr. Obama did, its easy words..
I’m indonesian, but i never proud about what Mr. Obama’s did! NEVER!! everybody can come and stay in Indonesia, and that wont make them so special, so he is!
wake up everyone, he is just another man!!
Posted by: butocakil | January 30, 2009, 10:15 am 10:15 am
The President had make an oath..
Why d0n’t we just give him a chance to do his best??
Ind0nesia=terr0rist basecamp?????? And what d0 y0u say f0r these f0ll0wing facts..
Israel killed m0re than a th0usand pe0ple in Gaza!!!!
Bush attacked Iraq, Afghanstn, f0r a silly unpr0ven reas0n, and also killed many Iraqis n Afganstan!!!
The Australian f0rmers (as we kn0w that they was the British pris0ners) killed also many Ab0rigines pe0ple to make c0l0nies!!! H0w many victims of these tragedies???
So,who are the truly terr0rist???
Bahasa was n0t derivd fr0m Malay. B0th are sisters languanges t0gether with Javanesse, Tagal0g, n Malagasy.. They all were derivd fr0m the Pr0t0-Western-Malayo-Polynesian.
Posted by: Chris | January 30, 2009, 9:40 pm 9:40 pm
VOA-Indonesia did a story about President Obama and interviewed his sister Maya Soetoro-NG who is half-Indonesian. She said that Obama would occasionally speak to him in Bahasa Indonesia. He once pointed to his shoulder and said to her “Eh, Maya, tolong pijat disini.” which means “Yo, Maya, can you help massage me right here.” Obama then responded “Wah, tangan Maya kuat ya.” which means “Wow, Maya’s hands are quite strong.” Some may doubt his fluency in speaking Bahasa Indonesia, but I commend him for trying and we’ll see how well he can converse when he visits Indonesia. Looking forward to that visit. :)
Posted by: Devi | February 18, 2009, 11:53 pm 11:53 pm
Selamat Siang Bapak.
Ah, Terima Kasih. Apa Kabar?
Baik-baik saja.
That’s funny.
When someone says “Good Afternoon” in Indonesian (Selamat Siang), it is simply a greeting and not a question. The word “Bapak” in this context means “Sir”. It can also mean “Mister, in a formal context” or “Father”.
President Obama replied with “Thank You” (Terima kasih) and then proceeded to ask the other gentleman “Apa kabar?” which means, “How are you?” or literally, “What’s the news?”
Those are all standard, basic greetings that any student of Bahasa Indonesia would learn very early on. That he replied so quickly would either indicate that the exchange was planned or he really does remember/know some of the language to be able to recognize it and respond in kind that quickly.
I find it amusing that he thanked the other gentlemen for greeting him, which is a bit odd. It’s amusing because you don’t thank someone for saying “Hi”. You just simply respond with the same greeting. This shows me that President Obama may not be that fluent or was simply caught off guard and not prepared to answer appropriately and responded with the first thing to enter his mind.
His accent with “Terima Kasih” was fine, but his pronunciation of “Apa Kabar?” was a bit off and not “native” sounding.
All this coming from a U.S. citizen living and working in Indonesia for the past 10 years.
Posted by: Language Tutor | March 6, 2009, 12:30 am 12:30 am
Oh, dan ngomong-omong; Menteng Dalam would refer to Inner Menteng, not Lower Menteng, although Inner Menteng may well be “lower class”. I would not know how the Menteng area is divided up as I am not familiar with Jakarta. Dalam refers to interior, or inside; while bawah refers to under or beneath. Just a bit of clarification untuk yang ingin tahu.
And for those of you who think Bahasa Indonesia is easy to learn, I invite you to come here and truly learn to communicate in this language. The grammar and sentence structure may be simpler than other languages, but the nuances and hidden meanings, of which Indonesians are skilled, are another matter entirely. It is simply not enough to know the meaning of a word, but rather how to use that meaning.
Posted by: Language Tutor | March 6, 2009, 1:10 am 1:10 am
This is so sad. These comments show so much hope and faith in Obama and his presidency, but barely a year later, Obama has disappointed so many with his broken promises and lies to the people. And it looks like it will only get worse. Can we survive another three years of an Obama presidency? I hope and pray yes.
Posted by: Mia | January 6, 2010, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm