'For believers, it's a warning from God'

'For believers, it's a warning from God'

Survivors of the earthquake and tidal waves, which devastated
Aceh and parts of North Sumatra, are now facing a new deadly
threat as diseases spread in the wrecked provinces, worsened by
the shortage of relief supplies and workers. The Jakarta Post
talked to residents about what the country can learn from the
calamity.

Amanda, 25, works at a private company in Jl. Thamrin, Central
Jakarta. She lives in the Bintaro Jaya housing complex,
Tangerang:

The devastating tragedy in Aceh province is a time for all
Indonesians to show their solidarity. I feel touched seeing
enthusiasm from all corners to make their contribution to help
the people of Aceh.

I hope the incident will become a lesson for all warring
parties in Aceh that they should end the misery of the Aceh
people.

Safril, 32, is a shop attendant in Kota, West Jakarta. He
lives in Cisauk subdistrict, Tangerang.

Each of us may feel differently about the earthquake and tidal
waves that have swept Aceh province and many other countries.

For those who believe in God, the incident is a warning. But
for non-believers, it is merely a natural phenomenon.

But Indonesians, who claim to be religious people, must
consider the possibility that the disaster is a warning from God,
because we have ignored Him.

Therefore, we must improve the quality of the lives we lead.
We must not challenge God because He can do whatever He wants to
us. We must put our bad conduct behind us, like corruption,
insulting behavior, and stealing other people's property.

I think the incident should give momentum for more
introspection on the part of Indonesians.

-- The Jakarta Post