Being wise key to nation's success

Being wise key to nation's success

From Suara Karya

Only wise statesmen/women can be credible leaders of a nation
and bring prosperity.

With the public's support, a politician can reach the pinnacle
of power and enjoy legitimacy as statesman/woman. The moral,
intellectual and spiritual consequence of being a leader is that
a politician must stop relying on only the legitimacy given by
his/her group. He/she must be a statesman/woman.

It is sad that in Indonesia practically no leaders can qualify
as statesmen/women. They are leaders of groups and are concerned
with their groups' interest. They are but the slaves of power,
extorting and acting on behalf of the people and the state.

A statesman/woman is wise because before making a decision
he/she will first weigh up a problem morally, emotionally and
spiritually.

In the case of Indonesia, what do we witness in this conflict-
ridden country? Our leaders act and make up their minds only on
the basis of their emotional consideration. They ignore rational
and spiritual considerations. As a result, the country slides
further into greater misery. Unfortunately, our leaders do not
care that while these decisions benefit their groups, they
disadvantage others.

Indonesia will face its own destruction if it continues to be
led by nonstatesmen/women.

It is not easy to be a statesman/woman, especially in the face
of multidimensional problems. However, armed with honesty and
sincerity and the three considerations referred to above, we will
always be able to do something.

JIWANDONO

Bekasi, West Java