Catastrophe in a free country

Catastrophe in a free country

From Suara Karya

I have known this country since I was seven, when the condition and atmosphere were perfectly harmonious, so heartening. Never a single scream of fear or yelling of dissatisfaction over the government's policies was heard from the society.

But now, after the downfall of the New Order regime, to Indonesians, the world has turned topsy-turvy; the emergence of reform has added a cloud to an otherwise happy and cheerful atmosphere. Day in, day out, cries are heard from children of the nation owing of their dissatisfaction with their leaders. The hungry stomachs, which know nothing about the meaning of compromise, begin to rumble. But all these cries and wishes seem to drift in the wind: they go unheeded.

Cries from suffering and starving people yearning for justice never seem strong enough to tear down and unravel secrets, yet these cries adorn the morning print and electronic media.

Will all these pain persist and when will they come to an end in my beloved country, Indonesia?

In bygone days, I saw beauty all over, like sparkling lights by day and by night. Once, you were so tender like silk, so soft and white like snow. You were once so renowned in the eye of the world. Is this your fault or that of the people living on your land? Now what I see is complete darkness, both in your day and night, all enshrouded with arrogance and hypocrisy.

My beloved country, Indonesia, in your beautiful days, you must be prepared to accept and listen to twaddles about self- respect, position and dignity, which are all ephemeral. But, will all this change? When?.

ACU CAHYUDIN

Subang, West Java