On article 28 of

On article 28 of 1945 Constitution

From Media Indonesia

There is a faction in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) suggesting that Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution must read: "The state will be based on one Supreme God with the obligation for adherents to practice sharia. As a Christian, I'd like to respond as follows:

Christians will not force other Christians to go to church on Sundays. Likewise, although God's ten commandments and the church's five instructions are mandatory for all Christians to follow, a Christian will not force another Christian to accept them. It is no use forcing someone to come to the church if his mind is somewhere else. It is very likely that a person like this will not say any prayers in church.

A human being must account for all their deeds before God. A Christian may suggest that another Christian accept a particular religious edict but when the second Christian is already adult, the first Christian will not force the matter upon the latter. If you do not go to church on Sunday without a compelling reason, you are sinful and you can be forgiven only if you make a real confession and really repent for what you have done.

When a confession of a sin is made without sincere regret, it will be of no use at all.

It is my strong belief that religion is something between an individual and his own God. Other people can give guidance or suggestions, but, please, without coercion.

DR. F. PUDIYANTO S. Jakarta

;KONTAN;ARP; ANPAk..r.. Letter-parking DPR messy parking lot JP/4/let

DPR's messy parking lot

From Kontan

A parking lot with the capacity to hold about 600 motorcycles is available within the complex of the House of Representatives (DPR). Sadly, however, the parking spaces are not properly arranged, so many motorcycle owners park their vehicles rather untidily, thus blocking entrances and exits.

Strangely, the security guards on duty do nothing to put the messy parking situation in order. Indeed, the House charges no parking fees, but a fairly large number of visitors give some sort of tip to the guards. By receiving at least Rp 500 per motorcycle, they can make at least Rp 200,000 a day.

I would like to propose that the Secretariat-General of the DPR reorder the spaces in such a way that neat parking is ensured.

H. RAHARJA Jakarta