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