'Buah Bibir' TV program

'Buah Bibir' TV program

From Media Indonesia

RCTI presented an interesting show entitled Apakah Harus
Bercerai (Should divorce be the solution) during the station's
talk show program Buah Bibir (fruit of the lips) on Monday, March
31, 1997, hosted by Debra H. Yatim.

I would like to state my opinion and some suggestions in
connection with the topic discussed.

Of course, the problems of Mrs. Susi and her children (guests
on the show) weigh heavily on them. Just imagine a father, deeply
loved and adored by his family, stepping out of their lives to
start anew with another woman. It is understandable that Mrs.
Susi and children are quite disappointed with their father.

Mrs. Susi has been urged by her children to divorce their
father. They cannot accept his cruel behavior and they cannot
forget the time that he hit their mother.

The question "to divorce or not to divorce?" as featured,
raised positive and negative responses. Some said that it would
be best to divorce; others believed that divorce is not really
the best answer to the problem. But then, it all depends on Mrs.
Susi decision.

According to Marriage Law No.1/1974, she is entitled to file
for divorce since her husband has clearly committed adultery,
abused her and neglected his duty as head of the family when he
failed to provide for his wife and children.

Even if, according to the law, Mrs. Susi is entitled to file
for divorce, would divorce really be necessary? I believe that it
would not. Why should they not divorce? First, because God does
not approve of divorce. In the Catholic religion and other
Christian beliefs, divorce is not allowed. Second, I believe that
Mrs. Susi has not given up hope on her husband's return to the
family. Third, life is very hard for divorced women and fourth,
her husband does not really desire a divorce when he urged her to
be patient.

This means that the love for his family is still there and
that sooner or later, he will resume normal married life. It
would be regrettable if a 25-year marriage ended in divorce. It
is important now to pray to the Lord, who can make the father
return to them. Mrs. Susi and her children should be pleading for
His help, they should forgive their sinful father in their
prayers.

I hope that RCTI may always fare well. I suggest they have a
second person of the opposite sex appear on the Buah Bibir
program. This would make the program more objective than it is
now.

SEPAKAT PERANGIN-ANGIN

Bekasi, West Java