Man proposes, God disposes
A TV commercial shown on private station SCTV for a pain- relieving ointment has an attractive young wife shouting to her husband in agony over her burned hands: tega, tega (have mercy!) It may be true that similar expressions can be found in other languages, but perhaps a shade of difference may be felt with the equivalent sayings.
Born and reared during the Dutch era, I have known the language for a lifetime. For tega, the Dutch might say (goeie hemel) heb genade. For the same expression, the Japanese would say nasake nai. And in Portuguese, perhaps its equivalent may be expressed in the melancholic engrasada. But, of course, to an Indonesian the expression tega, tega has a unique nuance, as making a bid for mercy.
I was watching the TV news on the evening of Oct. 5 when a delightful segment was shown of a traditional meal gathering, in which guests squat on the floor and eat by hand. Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, seemingly enjoyed his meal as he showed his empty dish. Sitting next to him was Amien Rais, the newly elected chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), who likewise appeared to be overjoyed.
Suddenly there was the stunning statement from Gus Dur as he sat on the floor that he was going to meet with Megawati. It was said that Megawati "felt abandoned" because by now it is obvious that Gus Dur is himself running for the presidency.
It would only be human for Megawati to feel abandoned. But, of course, it would be wrong to despair.
On the contrary, she must find strength in her fate of meeting the trial before her. Her father, first president of the republic, during his lifetime was so fond of invoking the demands for the nation to qualify from greatness or grandeur. Bangsa yang besar (great nation) in terms of idealism may become part of his teaching.
Within the national configuration, a more telling ordeal may be occasioned, which calls for great tolerance and noble vision.
"Feeling abandoned" may figure as a trivial sentiment when projected against the stage of national politics. Although as a human feeling such a sentiment is real, nevertheless within the political configuration it must be discarded.
Megawati's father seemed to be fond of invoking the French proverb Partir c'est mourir un peu (to part is to die a little) when departing a foreign country. The French and the English phrases were literally quoted. The lesson was mean to be that to leave does not need to mean parting for good. This is wise advice.
Indonesians are fond of seeking strength in providence.
"Man proposes, God disposes" become a most telling, god-sent teaching. Man is destined to resign in his fate.
Therefore, those believing in the truth of heavenly wisdom will never despair. This is fitting advice if she ever should "feel abandoned".
S. SUHAEDI
Jakarta