Father Sandyawan
Father Sandyawan
Referring to Sunarto's letter on Oct. 8, I agree that Father
Sandyawan must obey Indonesian law. In fact the priest stated the
same in his open letter dated Aug. 17 to various publications. He
said he was willing to bear all legal consequences in the context
of his responsibility and personal decision to harbor three
suspects. I would like to point out again that what Sandyawan did
was a reflection of faith which expressed love for fellow humans.
If because of his deed he must be penalized, he declared humbly
that he was willing to bear the responsibility.
To people who see the matter from a legal aspect only, without
considering the aspects of faith and morality, Sandyawan is
clearly guilty. If there were laws allowing euthanasia or
abortion, anyone considering the deed from a solely legal aspect
could not be faulted before the law. However, from the aspect of
faith, the deed clearly cannot be accounted for before God.
Professional secrets or respect for other people's secrets are
based on religious, human and noble cultural considerations.
Stating that a priest is only obliged to safeguard the
confessions of his congregation and is not obliged to do the same
for people of other faiths is oversimplification. Those who keep
professional secrets are individuals who are obliged by their
profession and for the sake of noble collective moral values, not
to betray the party that has entrusted a secret to them. This
involves respect for the integrity of fellow humans. At the same
time it shows the noble culture of civilized humankind, which
distinguishes man from other beings, i.e. the existence of trust
and trustworthiness.
If Sandyawan must be punished because he has applied his faith
and love for fellow humans, a deed which is in accordance with
the second principle of Pancasila: a just and civilized humanity,
he remains in my eyes a selfless hero who is willing to make a
sacrifice for the sake of people who were confused in their
uncertain condition as to whom to ask for help. The punishment
will show the nobleness and firmness of a person like Father
Sandyawan. A noble and selfless attitude that is rarely found
nowadays.
B. AJIE KAWENTAR
Jakarta