Noble solution

Noble solution

From Merdeka

Disasters have followed each other at increasingly shorter intervals these past few months. Indonesians cannot even find the cause of the catastrophes let alone a solution. Is nature at fault, or is man only to blame?

I would like to refer to my letters during the past decade with their annexes (Reflections on the Joyoboyo predictions), the gist of which is a return to the nation's noble values, especially -- for those who believe -- in anticipation of the advent of the "New Era".

It is regrettable our leaders are not persuaded that a return to our values is needed. It will be too late. Even now the situation is already critical. The leaders should be visionary (as expressed by Emil Salim, former minister of the environment), for the sake of the state, and not in the interest of persons or groups.

High morals were at the base of the noble values of our ancestors. These are the keys toward finding a solution for the disasters. Our leaders must possess the moral fiber to lead us. They should not playact and be hypocritical. Examples: "We must be just" is heard in speeches, but reality shows that the same persons take sides with one group. "We must be honest", but dishonesty, corruption and collusion are widely practiced.

To whom can the floods be attributed? There must be a scapegoat, so development in the mountain areas is blamed. It may well be, but I am convinced that even when the Puncak area has been restored complete with water catchment areas, disasters will still take place as long as our noble culture remains neglected.

I believe that the recent disasters serve as a warning that there is little time to return to our nation's noble values.

ENDRO

Jakarta