Fate of Mandra

Fate of Mandra

I felt sad when watching the Si Doel Anak Sekolahan show (Doel
a school boy) on Dec. 16, 1996. I felt sorry for Mandra. He seems
fated to always be the one shouted at by all members of the late
Pak Sabeni's family, not to mention Atun (Mandra's niece), who is
supposed to pay respect to her uncle. He also seems to be the one
who always makes mistakes.

First, Mandra had to cancel his plan to marry Munaroh due to
his father's desire to marry a widow named Rodiah. Mandra
encountered misfortune when Munaroh was forced to marry another
man. Later, he also lost Nunung, because her brother Karyo
insisted that she should go back to her home village. Actually,
Karyo was worried that his relationship with Atun would be ruined
if he allowed Mandra's affection for Nunung to flourish.

I realized, however, that it was only a story, but it bothered
me. Why is it that Mandra was born a loser and is treated badly
by his own family? Is this due to the fact that Mandra is a
dropout? Please, Rano Karno, could you give Mandra a chance?
According to the Koran, parents should help their sons and
daughters who have already reached adulthood and desire to get
married to accomplish their ideals.

LIANA THREESTAYANTI

Jakarta