'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