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