'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