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