Plea to God

Plea to God

From Republika

Oh Lord, we, the Indonesian people, now seem unable to do much to prevent this nation from falling apart. Those who have reminded our past leaders of their misbehavior have themselves become deaf and blind. They made promises after promises at the beginning of the reform era, yet after coming to power, they have turned out to be as blind.

Oh, Lord, we are deeply disappointed by our leaders. Our nation and people are now suffering as overly ambitious people compete against one another for power. They squabble just like small kids vying for a piece of cake. We are terribly ashamed of ourselves, my Lord.

Oh, God, why did we choose them? Because now, it has turned out that they only used us to fulfill their ambitions and to get a good position, be it in the legislature or bureaucracy, and after that they have only fought for themselves and their own groups.

Oh, Lord, our leaders have now forgotten who they really are. They have forgotten to carry out their obligations, to do what they should be doing for the people who chose them. They have turned wild in the quest for power. Since the beginning they have only talked about power instead of welfare.

They have traded rude remarks, called people derogatory names, terrorized and stabbed each other from behind. Only Thou God knows why they have become so power-hungry, despite the fact they keep calling Thy name.

Oh, Lord, for four years now we have been downtrodden in all aspects of life, yet our leaders have not changed much and are still like they were. What are our sins? Should it be the sins of theirs, punish those who sin, please do not punish ordinary people.

Oh, Lord, please do give us a hand. Give our leaders a strong warning, so that they will be fully aware of their position and power. Without Thy warnings, they will always remain blind.

Oh, Lord, only thou can help us rid ourselves from this plight, not our leaders.

H. SOEHARTO

Surabaya