Hidden savior

Hidden savior

From Sinar Pagi

The nagging question concerning many circles these days is: Who is the hidden savior? This question has surfaced because King Joyoboyo predicted a savior would emerge after the end of the horrendous period Indonesia has suffered through. The prediction was that a charismatic leader would emerge to save the nation and lead the country to better times.

Many people believed that President Abdurrahman Wahid's administration would not live long. Why? Simply because his style of leadership resembles that of a cleric. President Abdurrahman, or Gus Dur, was lucky to have been elected president. The voters showed their confidence that Gus Dur could keep the country from destruction.

The election of Gus Dur was based on serious considerations. Therefore, we have the right to appeal to Gus Dur to run his administration in the best possible manner. For example, he should avoid prolonged conflicts in society and refrain from making statements that might cause confusion. He also should make his Cabinet ministers speak the truth and uphold the truth. The people want better living conditions, and only if this happens will the people sincerely listen to their leaders, rather than adopting an apathetic attitude and remaining indifferent.

It is undeniable that the fall of Soeharto was caused by his unresponsiveness to the people's aspirations. He was not only insensitive to the fate of the people, but he also kept increasing the burden of the people, making only a few privileged cronies happy. This resulted in the anger of the people who, having lost their patience, began to destroy everything.

Taking this as a lesson, the present leaders must pay greater attention to the condition of the people and alleviate their suffering.

FAHMI HARAHAP

Jakarta