More sacrifice is needed

Muslims around the world are commemorating Idul Adha, or the Day of Sacrifice, the legacy left behind by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael). The observance marks Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, to God. But before Abraham showed his obedience to God's order to sacrifice Ishmael and put his knife on Ishmael's throat, an angel had replaced Ishmael with a goat. Muslims commemorate the day now by slaughtering cattle and goats, and distributing the meat to the poor. The largest gathering to commemorate the day is the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca, where around 2.5 million people from all corners of the world gather every year.

However, the wisdom of sacrifice has much more for those who want to learn, especially if we relate it to the present situation where poorer Indonesians are becoming poorer everyday. The recent devastating floods which have hit many areas in Java, killing at least 100 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless, have had the greatest effect on the most destitute.

However, in the full view of the public, officials in Jakarta, which was also struck by the floods, demonstrated a lamentable degree of inaction in the wake of the disaster. While they may lack a sense of responsibility, their most ubiquitous quality is, in fact, a lack of social solidarity. This was clear to be seen from the city bureaucrats, who appeared unwilling or incapable of doing anything to surmount the worst disaster that had ever hit their city, much less understand the meaning and wisdom of sacrificing something for the poor.

It is, however, not too late for them to make amends for their inaction as the drama is still being played out. To this day, the flood victims are badly in need of help to repair or rebuild their homes.

This means that there should be non-governmental, efficient and professional bodies to handle the efforts designed to enable the flood victims to rebuild their lives. These efforts include the management of the aid provided by donors and its effective channeling to those in need. Among the victims, a tailor has completely lost her source of livelihood because her sewing machine has been ruined in the floods. And people like her are numerous. Something must be done for people like these.

The need for private bodies to undertake this task has been apparent from the beginning. Many spontaneous charitable groups, set up during the first days of the disaster, halted their activities half way through after district heads or other city officials intervened and told them that all aid had to be disbursed by government agencies. A major company recently revealed a grand plan to help flood victims recover from the disaster, on condition that the assistance be handed over directly to the victims -- a glaring indictment of the city administration's credibility.

During this year's Day of Sacrifice, it is fitting to extend our sympathy and assistance to the thousands that are struggling to restore their homes and their livelihoods.