Stressing on honesty and inner conscience

Stressing on honesty and inner conscience

From Suara Karya

I feel concerned as I witness the recent political turbulence, which continues to rage. As a common citizen, the demands of my family and I are simple: a safe, peaceful country with affordable food and clothing and where my children can go to school. That's all what we, as a family with a modest means of living, want.

But to be frank, when we see the increasing rivalry among the political elite, we feel a little concerned. We worry that unwanted things might happen in the form of riots and the like. I feel that the comments made by several political elite "attacking" President Abdurrahman Wahid's administration will not calm the atmosphere but instead heat the situation up.

The latest attack on the President from the political elite was about his statement on his plan to investigate some members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and House of Representatives (DPR) who are believed to have been indicated and involved in a certain case, as disclosed at the recent National Dialog in Bali. The President's statements, although made in good faith, tend to be sharply criticized, making the situation more heated and resulting in the severe decline of the rupiah.

In my opinion, the President's statements contain elements which, if digested, are positive in upholding the law, meaning that the President is no longer joking. Anyone, including the MPR/DPR members, can be assessed, tried or brought before court if it is proven that he committed corruption, collusion and nepotism or disturbed or threatened the state's existence. Remember, it is not easy to investigate a legislative or Assembly member; there must be clear legal proof. If they claim innocence, why should they be afraid? There is no problem then, is there?

If we want to be fair, many of the President's statements are wise and prudent. The President always emphasizes the importance of living harmoniously, earnestly, patiently and simply. But not everyone wants to listen to him wholeheartedly and earnestly. The President's policy with his way of saying what he wants, is sometimes felt as contradictory and emotional, but if one listens to him, almost everything the President says contains a positive message. And generally, his words will sound true after some time.

Take as an example the dissolution of the ministries of social affairs and information. At last many agree on the move.

In this era of reform and democracy not every Indonesian is ready to accept its consequences, i.e., the importance of "transparency" in all fields, including the acceptance and appreciation of the ideas and thoughts of others which are consistently implanted by Abdurrahman in the community.

From the deepest feelings in my heart I am sure Abdurrahman's statements have good and noble intentions for the good of the people in the future. Indeed, there are many obstacles brought about by the parties who do not agree with Abdurrahman's steps in upholding justice and fairness. But to obtain goodness, we sometimes need to sacrifice, and if necessary, we must first become the "injured".

Abdurrahman, in his effort to uphold the truth, has to be scorned here and there. But I am convinced that he will be brave in facing all these tests. Hopefully, he will always receive protection from God Almighty.

MUKARTO

Cimanggis, West Java