Ute Seela

If you live in Surabaya, Eastern Java (Indonesia) and you are expecting a child you might soon be helped by a list of state approved names of what to call your baby. A legislator of the 5.6 million city wants to introduce a bylaw that guides young parents as to not forget their identity as citizens of Surabaya. The councilor dislikes the popular habit to give foreign names such as Michael, Roberto or Abu – he rather had Jumanto or Paiyem, the Jakarta Post writes.

The quoted residents disagree: I gave my child a foreign name because such names are sophisticated and might boost the child’s confidence, one says. Another: this way I feel that I can fulfill my wish to become part of the world community.

Whatever you may think of it – let it be… Or not? Passing through a city like Jakarta with all its English billboards and shopping windows…

• ‘Switch the flavor – regular or menthol’!

• ‘Gratis Service, spare parts’!

• ‘Kingdom Pet Shop and Pet Care’!

•   ‘Veggie – The Healthy Burger’…!

… I can imagine that sometimes you get fed up.