Cause for reflection<\/p>\n
In a declaration, issued on Friday May 12, at Taman Ismail
\nMarzuki in Jakarta, signatories of the document, including W.S.
\nRendra, Emha Ainun Najib and Goenawan Mohamad, noted that a
\nreturn appeared to have taken place to the principle of politics
\nas the ruling power, of intolerance in attitude and in reasoning
\ntowards differing views, and of the inclination to wipe out
\nopinion by the use of absolute notions.<\/p>\n
The declaration mentions the matter of licensing requirements,
\nincluding those for shows and plays, which officially are not
\nneeded but which in reality not only are required but are also
\neffective.<\/p>\n
The May Declaration expresses grave concern over the fact that
\n"in the end, the standard will be valid that the strongest is
\nalways right". If that happens, then "the nation will suffer a
\nloss of creative and capable talent, while freedom and justice
\nwill perish or be close to perishing".<\/p>\n
Progress proceeds with interruptions for every nation. What
\ninterrupts the progress of our nation? The factors which most
\nbothered our great leaders such as Mohammad Hatta and Syahrir
\nwere conservatism, feudalism and exclusivism.<\/p>\n
Every time, we are being confronted by the inclination towards
\nconservatism among our political leadership. We also have to
\nconfront our own historic legacy, feudalism as well as tendencies
\ntowards exclusivism. Our intellectuals lack the will and the
\nmoral courage to seek breakthroughs and overcome those
\ntendencies.<\/p>\n
After 50 years of independence, whether we like it or not,
\nthose issues should stimulate our views and our attitudes, in
\norder that we may recognize the problems, which we are now
\nfacing, in their historic perspectives.<\/p>\n
-- Kompas, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/cause-for-reflection-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }