Multatuli's message<\/p>\n
Any exchange of views that occurs between an expatriate and an
\nIndonesian reader in the readers forum of The Jakarta Post on a
\ntopic that bears an instructive message must certainly be
\nwelcome. Such writings contribute to enrich knowledge and
\ninformation, particularly to Indonesian readers. So the advantage
\nin terms of widening visions of the intellectualism is surely
\nheartening.<\/p>\n
But on the contrary, when the furious exchange of views
\nreaches such an extent as to assume the tune of unbridled
\npolemics, incited by scornful and indecent utterances from both
\nsides, the debate will become boring. Any entanglement that
\nbrings forth sensitive aspects and inevitable implications of
\npast colonialism is bound to drag up sentiments of national pride
\nand grandeur among the contending parties.<\/p>\n
As self-restraint is lacking in the use of expressions, the
\npolemics become futile and willy-nilly turns the \"beloved column\"
\nof the readers into a polluted hodgepodge. We must guard against
\nsuch a degradation.<\/p>\n
As the readers forum of the Post provides interesting reading
\nmaterial, I have called upon my grandson, who is learning
\nEnglish, to read the letters, if they are not too difficult.
\nTherefore, it is natural that letters presenting polemics between
\nreaders, that degenerate into personal quibbling, should only be
\nfrowned upon.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, taking advantage of the happy coincidence of
\nencountering a reference to Multatuli's book Max Havelaar, in one
\nargument from the pen of an expatriate reader (the Post, April
\n1), I hailed the reference to the legendary book, of which I
\nhappen to have a copy.<\/p>\n
In beautiful (Dutch) language, which also uses French and
\nGerman in presenting some poems, Multatuli (pen name for Douwes
\nDekker, Dutch administrator in South Banten (Lebak) from about
\n1839 to 1856) wrote the classic message: \"to you I dedicate my
\nbook, William the Third, more than prince, grand duke and
\nking, ... Emperor of the magnificent realm of Insulinde, that
\ngirdles around the equator as a sash of emeralds. (And there) are
\nmore than thirty million subjects mistreated and suck out (Dutch:
\nmishandeld en uitgezogen) on your behalf\" (translated version).<\/p>\n
An abundance of sumptuous prose fills the book which
\ndemonstrates Multatuli's unique style, which is exemplified by
\nthe following passages.<\/p>\n
(Translated version) \"For I know that the Lord loves the poor,
\nand that he gives riches to those who he wants to put to the
\ntest, but to the poor he sends his messages in order that they
\nwill rise from their misery. Does not the Lord give rain where
\nthe haulm withers and a dewdrop to the flower calyx that feels
\nthirst?<\/p>\n
And it is not the rain that is lacking, for the tops of the
\nmountains suck the clouds of heavens to reach the earth. And not
\neverywhere are rocks that denies place to the root, for in many
\nplaces the land is soft and fertile and calls for the grain seed,
\nwhich she will reciprocate in bending haul.\"<\/p>\n
Looking forward to the challenge for us to subdue the economic
\ncrisis, I sense that such a message is far more pleasing and
\nencouraging to hear than any dredging up of past tales of
\ncolonialism, except for the tribute indebted to the Dutch
\n\"Ethical Movement\" (Dutch: Ethische Richting, 1899) calling for
\nIrrigation, Emigration and Education, sponsored by Dutch
\neducators Van Deventer, Brooshooft, Abendanon, Nabbema, Fock and
\nsupported by Prof. Snouck Hurgronje and Prof. Van Vollenhoven
\n(former Indonesian law students hailing from Leiden University,
\nlike Soenario, Soesanto Tirtoprodjo, Wirjono Prodjodikoro and
\nothers paid respect to Prof. Van Vollenhoven).<\/p>\n
S. SUHAEDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/multatulis-message-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }