Insulting statement<\/p>\n
A controversial statement made by State Minister of Food and
\nHorticulture A.M. Saefuddin concerning Megawati was, in my
\nopinion, really an act of bigotry. I truly can't understand how
\nsuch a high-ranking official as educated as himself could have
\nmade such an insensitive statement to a group of journalists.
\nDoesn't he know that when he speaks to journalists such an
\noutrageous statement would definitely be printed and blown up?
\nDoesn't he know, or is he such an ignorant person, that Megawati
\nis a Moslem, as all we ordinary citizens know.<\/p>\n
I am not a religious person, not a Hindu or even a Balinese.
\nHowever, I can understand how the Balinese feel about his
\ninsulting comment. Religion is an extremely sensitive issue,
\nespecially in this country, where there is countless evidence of
\ncrimes related to religious differences.<\/p>\n
As we all know, Bali is a significant place in terms of its
\ncontribution to the country's economy and many other aspects. I
\nhave spent a quarter of my life in Australia, and from my
\nexperience, although Bali is only a small part of the country, in
\nterms of popularity, Bali is much more popular compared to, say,
\nJakarta or other Indonesian big cities. In fact, Australians are
\nmore interested in news about Bali than about the rest of
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
But there is a limit to even a joke. The issue is not whether
\nit was just a statement made jokingly but whether he believes or
\nmeans what he said, which, I am sorry to say, I believe he does.
\nCan we all imagine our great country, with a population of 202
\nmillion, being led by a leader of his quality?<\/p>\n
Saefuddin should have known what he said was wrong, and he has
\napologized. I respect that. However, it would be even better if
\nfor once he \"humbled\" himself by retracting his comments and
\nmakes an open apology to all Hindus, as demanded.<\/p>\n
The Balinese strikes and protests demanding that he step down
\nshould be an important lesson to him. I just hope that such a
\nthing never happens again.<\/p>\n
I also understand President Habibie's reluctance to fire him,
\nas this might cause more waves of protest from his supporters,
\nnot to mention the \"friendship\" factor. But if he makes another
\ninsulting remark, I don't see why the President and other
\nIndonesians should tolerate him any more.<\/p>\n
To State Minister Saefuddin: Do you know the shame we
\nIndonesians living in other countries have to face, explaining to
\nour foreign friends who have misunderstood that Indonesia's
\nmajority Moslem population as being racist because of your
\ninsensitive comments?<\/p>\n
My advice to you, Sir, is that if you don't have anything
\nbetter to say just keep quiet. Given the not-so-good reputation
\nof Indonesia worldwide at this time, your insensitive statements
\ndid nothing but worsen the image of Indonesia worldwide.<\/p>\n
Please be a bit more considerate before you say anything,
\nespecially when you talk to journalists. Really, we don't need
\nyour careless comments on something that is not your business.
\nYou had better stick to your job and what you need to do to help
\nour country. And I bet with all I've got, you would do this
\ncountry more good than harm by doing so.<\/p>\n
HENRY CAHYADI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/insulting-statement-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }