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Quote by Andre Vltchek

“'Colonialism' and 'democracy' are two contradictory terms. In order to be 'democratic' a country has to be free. Right now, Indonesian people are slaves: of the West and of their local elites.”

Quote by Andre Vltchek

Author

Andre Vltchek
Andre Vltchek

Andre Vltchek, born in 1963, is a renowned novelist from the Czech Republic. His works are known for their profound social insight and unique literary style, exploring the politics, history, and culture of Eastern Europe and Africa. Vltchek's novels are characterized by a strong sense of realism and have won him a wide audience. more

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“Of course each citizen should try to educate him or herself, but only after receiving some essential, basic blocks of knowledge. Formal education should always be free; from kindergarten to PhD. It is free in many European countries, and in several Latin American ones (including Cuba, Mexico and Argentina). China is returning to free education, as it is returning to universal health care. In countries like Chile, people are on the streets right now fighting for free education, and they are winning!”

“Culture has to be constantly on the vanguard, too. It should be educating people, as it does in Latin America: thousands of great theatres, art cinemas, millions of free books distributed by the governments, public poetry readings, free public lectures, and all sorts of bookstores are open until early mornings, exhibitions reacting to the needs and sorrows of society, concerts of engaged music.”

“To get out of desperate situation can only be done by education and by openness for Indonesians. Everybody who can, should be participating in this 'project'. Not only professional educators and teachers , but especially artists, creative people, thinkers. There should be many more initiatives, particularly more from the independent press! What happened to progressive independent publications in Indonesia? Nothing - they never took off! It is a shame.”

“The people of Indonesia have to learn, realize, that fighting for a better country is great and inspiring. Like those men, women, and even children in Latin America understood many decades ago! Young people especially, should know: Rebellion is good. Revolution is good. Thinking is good. Progress is good. To be a revolutionary, a rebel, is cool - very cool. Much cooler than driving a red or yellow Ferrari bought with the money your daddy has stolen from the poor!”