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