Learning to be mindful and vigilant<\/p>\n
Benny Susetyo Pr, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The recent catastrophe in Aceh and Nias is possibly the peak
\nof misfortune in the history of Indonesia. It is indeed the
\ndestiny we have to accept with resignation and fortitude. It was
\npredestined by nature to be a reminder to us all of the need for
\nconstant introspection. In the words of a Javanese literary man
\nfamous for his prophecies, men at the end of times should always
\nbe mindful and vigilant.<\/p>\n
This calamity has aroused unprecedented sympathy and empathy
\nin international circles, fostering solidarity regardless of
\nclass, social strata, race, ethnicity, and religion, as well as
\ngeographic boundaries of social, political and economic origin.
\nThe borders created out of political interests have been removed
\nby humanitarian solidarity. With the disaster, everything
\nshattered to pieces by human greed will hopefully be reunited on
\nhumanitarian grounds.<\/p>\n
Now the majority of people have come to realize that God is
\ngreat, even greater than the mere imagination of people trapped
\nin the arrogance of science and technology.<\/p>\n
In the perspective of modernity, people are indeed above the
\nentire universe. But now this viewpoint has to reverse its rigid
\nlogic, in the sense that being the master of the universe will
\nnot necessarily confirm human arrogance all the time. The saying
\nis true that man proposes and God disposes.<\/p>\n
People have thus begun to remember God, reflecting on the
\ndivine inferences of what has happened in the context of
\nspiritual depth. The tragedy has brought the human mind closer to
\nthe Creator as King of the universe. It is not science and
\ntechnology that reigns over nature. Human rationality is just a
\ndewdrop in the vast ocean of God's glory.<\/p>\n
Regrettably, though, we only remember God while in pain. When
\nwe are helpless, with tears pouring out witnessing dead bodies,
\nGod is brought to mind. In our daily behavior, God is still
\nfrequently overlooked.<\/p>\n
More ironically, even with the emotional atmosphere prevailing
\ntoday, some people still distribute donations without
\ntransparency. There remains the suspicion of corruption and abuse
\nof aid, which should go to those suffering after the loss of
\ntheir families and material wealth.<\/p>\n
The massive disaster that may ruin the future of Aceh and Nias
\nshould give rise to a big question: What was behind the calamity?
\nIs this the way God punishes a nation, by causing misery? Where
\nis His power and why does He keep silent? IN any case, this is
\nhow God reminds people of their limitations. This is a warning
\nagainst people's arrogance to make them aware that rationality is
\nalways limited and has restricted access.<\/p>\n
Behind this terrible occurrence, God warns this and other
\nnations to join hands in promoting social solidarity. The tragedy
\ninvites all nations to realize that the bond of humanitarian
\nsolidarity remains stagnant due to the constraints of sectoral
\ninterests and human egoism. Such solidarity is sabotaged by
\nreligious segmentation with emotional views and ethnic sentiments
\nthat tend to negate other groups. It is this segmentation that
\nGod is supposed to eliminate through the major quake and ensuing
\ntsunami tidal waves. It is a warning process, by which God makes
\npeople mindful and then vigilant.<\/p>\n
Humanity is often spoiled by violence and armed conflicts. Let
\nus abandon all hostilities. Let us return to a life of helping
\nothers, giving humane treatment to those who suffer, assisting
\npeople without the capacity to live a decent life, raising the
\ndignity of ordinary people and avoiding any deception by whatever
\nmeans.<\/p>\n
Through the tsunami, we are reminded that all forms of
\nviolence must be ceased on earth. The time has come to destroy
\nequipment of war and replace it with agricultural and industrial
\nmachinery for the poor. This message has been clearly revealed
\nvia the signs of nature's wrath. Nature has taught people to read
\nall signs of the times. It is through the appalling disaster that
\nGod has conveyed the message to humanity.<\/p>\n
People are called upon to build a new world order. It is the
\norder expected by God to process nature for common welfare. The
\nreality of globalization, which has caused men to plunge into
\ninto the collective spirit.<\/p>\n
We live together on the same earth. There should be no
\ndifference based on skin color or cultural, social and political
\nidentities. Racial colors and diverse cultures are God's
\ncreations to enrich the world with multifarious forms of beauty.
\nDifferent views and political geographic features constitute no
\nbarrier to humane treatment. God has come to remind us of all
\nthis.<\/p>\n
Fellow citizens surviving the calamity should be encouraged
\nthat a bright future still lies ahead for them. Nobody should
\never blame nature and God, but instead we have been warned to
\nremember Him.<\/p>\n
This nation should unite to build Aceh and Nias island in
\nNorth Sumatra as the most important part of the manifestation of
\nhumanitarian efforts that are now beginning to grow. For all
\nthose who perished in the disaster we pray that they will rest
\npeacefully beside Him.<\/p>\n
And God has indeed come to teach people to be always mindful
\nand vigilant.<\/p>\n
The writer is Executive Secretary of HAK Commission,
\nIndonesian Bishops Conference.<\/p>",
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