Pandora's Box must be opened

President Megawati, as cited in a news story in Kompas of Nov. 1, 2001, titled The capability of the Republic of Indonesia to pay its debt is at an alarming level, said, "There are no short cuts to overcome the multi-faceted crisis but what we need are patience, hard work and courage to make difficult decisions."

If Ibu Mega wishes to pull the nation out of its crisis and turn the people into an orderly, peaceful and prosperous community, she should remember one of her own father's, Bung Karno's, messages, namely: "Along with the basic principles of the Republic of Indonesia (Pancasila), this nation must ascend to become a big and strong country."

Islam explains why God has created the Islamic Five Pillars. What are their respective goals? When will men be in heaven? Muslims believe that all of our deeds, good or bad, will be noted as if they were saved in a deposit box, where our sins become debits and our good deeds credits. So, now the Indonesian Muslims' savings must have soared. Who has the right to open the box? The Prophet Muhammad, who is called the Satrio Piningit by the Javanese.

Of course, many people won't believe this as the Prophet died a long time ago. How will the Prophet be awakened? "The souls of those who died in God's path are actually still alive." The Prophet Muhammad's men also believe that Muhammad will be awakened by God to judge his people. Why are Muslims chanting Shalawat (a short prayer usually consisting of verses from the Koran) if they themselves do not believe that Muhammad will return? Please contemplate and think about it, as religion is for those who ponder!

The Pandora's box, a source of many troubles, must be opened for the sake of rescuing the nation. Of course, it must be opened with the help of the people, particularly those who believe in it.

DR. AGUS UTORO

Serang, Banten