Solar eclipse and political eclipse

That humans are small and helpless in comparison with the universe and heavenly bodies becomes more evident at the time of a natural phenomenon of a moon or solar eclipse. The last solar eclipse in the second millennium, a total one, occurred this week, observed by thousands if not millions of people. Astronomers, the clergy and superstitious people have different views as to its real meaning. On such an occasion, biologists study the behavior of animals.

I wrote here once that I would shut off the sun forever if I had the power to do so. That could lead to cessation of atrocities and senseless bloodbaths in a number of trouble spots on the globe, including Indonesia. Of course, in that case, it would mean the end of the world, as without oxygen all living creatures face a slow but sure extinction.

Fortunately, a solar eclipse does not last even one hour, and is not a static phenomenon. It would be useful if men and women realized that everything in the universe moves and changes. The gigantic gas mass called the sun, more beautifully named in Indonesia as matahari (eye of the day), in reality gets weaker with every passing second. After some billions of years, it will burn out. It is a dreadful prospect indeed, canceling all presidential races, marriages, cricket and soccer matches; in fact, all human activities known on earth.

What this nation's responsible people should prevent from happening is an eclipse of different sort. Those suspected of having abused power to enrich themselves, their families and their cronies, should be brought to justice. Their cases must not be allowed to disappear in a political eclipse.

A criminal, even as old and sick as the second president wants to be treated and seen, should not hide behind an artificial eclipse to escape justice.

Humans should be forgiving in their hearts. On this point I agree with Nahdlatul Ulama chairman Abdurrahman Wahid. But in the case of former president Soeharto, he should first prove himself to be innocent before the law before there is an act of forgiving. Would this also mean that the treasure hunt for billions of dollars be put behind banking eclipses and forgotten by future generations?

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta