Indonesia will shine again<\/p>\n
Congratulations on your 16th anniversary. I also would like to
\ncongratulate you on your journey toward a civil society (The
\nJakarta Post, April 25, 1999).<\/p>\n
Your quotation from John Lennon's Imagine is very appropriate.
\nI am also a dreamer. I dream that in the not too distant future,
\nIndonesia will again be prosperous and become a civil society
\nonce more.<\/p>\n
As a Javanese from the little village of Ganung, East Java, I
\nwould say: Pasir wukir loh jinawi, tata tentrem kerta raharjo,
\nmeaning from the mountains to the sea, the land is fertile, the
\ncountry is peaceful and prosperous.<\/p>\n
Your choice of the gunungan visual is also appropriate in many
\nways. The gunungan signals the start of a new chapter of the
\nwayang (puppet) stories. In our case, it should signal a new
\nbeginning for our beloved country. You pictured many gunungan, so
\nwe will have many new happenings in present day Indonesia.
\nHopefully, this coming election will be the start of a new
\ngovernment, with new approaches to the economy, the financial
\nsector, the government, education and social welfare.<\/p>\n
The gunungan itself can also serve as a model for the country.
\nThe building (the country) requires strong foundations and
\npillars to guarantee its strength and durability. The two
\nguardsmen represent the Armed Forces, who are guarding the
\nentrance to the country against enemies from other lands. The
\nnaga dragons are mother earth or nature, sustaining life and
\nprosperity for us all.<\/p>\n
The banteng or wild bull is ready to keep away the always
\nhungry murderous tiger. The people, represented by monkeys and
\nbirds, are living and working together in peace and harmony. They
\nare, however, always aware of evil and trouble, brought about by
\nKala the bad giant and the serpent. Two birds are on top, meaning
\nthat no single person has absolute power over the land.
\nDeliberations and mutual consultations are apparently the way of
\nlife. I continue to dream that one day Indonesia will shine
\nbrightly over its surrounding lands.<\/p>\n
DJOKO SOEJOTO<\/p>\n
Bandung, West Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesia-will-shine-again-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }