Self-correction before reform
Self-correction before reform
From Republika
"In fact Allah will not change the condition of a community
before they have changed their own condition." (Ar-Ra'ad:11)
Of late, ishlah (reform) has become a popular word, and the
key word in proposals for improvements in Indonesia's economic,
political and legal situation. We have heard critical voices from
intellectuals, prominent citizens and students in their moral
actions with expressions of concern shown at all universities in
the country. I think the government has heard the students'
demands. It is up to the government to respond and show its
political will.
The people and students do not see dialogs as an effective
means of solving problems. However, it should not be forgotten
that there is something to be done immediately by those calling
for reform and the authorities who are the targets for reform,
before there can be reform on a wide scale, before establishing a
clean community and a clean government, and improving the current
system.
We should reform ourselves.
In order to construct a safe and solid building, a strong
foundation is required. Efforts should start with the individual,
both in the community and among the authorities, to implant faith
in ourselves.
By doing this, we will understand ourselves: who we are, where
we come from, where we are going, why we are in the world, what
is the meaning of life and death, what is our mission on earth
and what will happen after death, how we account for our job,
and, finally, we must repent if this contemplation shows we are
not aware of those things.
By implanting faith in ourselves, government officials will
come to realize things better and change their personality
accordingly. That job is a task that requires accountability.
There will be no collusion, corruption and nepotism, legal
justice will be upheld, the people's confidence will increase and
all policies in favor of the people will have first priority.
Let us hope that with self-reform, total reform will take
place and solve the problems of the multicrisis hitting the
country.
FAJAR MARTIONO
Jakarta