A lesson for Bagito

A few days ago, the Bagito Group conveyed an apology because of parodying the physical condition of President Abdurrahman in a comedy act. This matter was wisely settled by the new President, the Bagito Group and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). To err is human and an act that may have offended a president should not be blown out of proportion.

Hopefully, what happened to Bagito may serve as a good lesson to us all. It is not appropriate to make fun of someone's physical disability or joke of one's physical traits owing to their ethnicity or racial origin. A few years ago, the physical traits of a comedian hailing from Irian Jaya were made fun of in a skit performed by his group. After this Bagito incident, all groups of comedians should no longer make fun of such things but should make people laugh with better material.

Despite his physical condition, Abdurrahman has proved his ability in leading this country wisely. We must bear in mind that the first lady is also physically disabled. The physical condition of the President and the first lady should change people's perception and attitude toward the disabled. There should no longer be any discrimination toward them. Hopefully, the disabled will be allowed to study at universities as long as this disability does not affect their ability to learn.

AMIR SIDHARTA

Jakarta