The homecoming tradition during 'Lebaran'

The homecoming tradition during 'Lebaran'

Going back home for the Idul Fitri (Lebaran) festivities is a
great tradition, whether in normal or critical economic
situations.

Time changes as our nation hails the arrival of globalization.

Our countrymen can be overwhelmed by modernization in every
aspect of their lives, but the homecoming tradition during
Lebaran goes on.

At least once a year, a great number of people return to their
respective home villages all over the country to celebrate the
Lebaran holidays with their families.

At the grass roots, going home is a golden opportunity to
bring the blessings they have gained during the entire year in
the cities and share them with their families.

As such, those who go home become the target of various
criminal acts.

We have to remind the police of the importance of ensuring the
security of those who want to return to their villages.

The police have to regulate the traffic, and traffic violators
should be fined without mercy.

Returning home in such a situation is frequently agonizing.
Thus, the government should continue to inform the public about
the condition of the roads, alternative routes, and areas prone
to traffic jams.

Hence, we need to remind the people that they have to be
disciplined and patient until they arrive in their respective
destinations safely.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta

Lesson from Larantuka

The Larantuka mob that set ablaze the local district
courthouse in East Nusa Tenggara was certainly acting against the
law. But things will not end by punishing the suspects, who are
supporters of Frans Amanuen, a local priest.

The court sentenced Amanuen to two months' imprisonment and
five month's probation for defamation.

According to the court, the priest was proven guilty of having
no admissible evidence when accusing East Flores regent Felix
Fernandez of malfeasance over the purchase of a multipurpose
boat.

In his defense statement before the verdict was made, the
priest also accused the regent of submitting false reports on
natural disasters in order to get more aid.

Many officials see that criticisms remain as attacks or
efforts to topple them from their positions. Therefore, action
must be taken to deal with the criticisms.

A priest, or any other religious leader, is not free from
mistakes. He could get carried away when addressing his
congregation. Priest Amanuen might have expected that a reaction
to his statements might appear from his congregation.

What's wrong with all the stories? It is difficult to believe
that a religious leader asked his followers to commit violence,
and it is obviously unbelievable that the priest wanted to
succeed the regent in making his statements.

Unfortunately, the court has failed to catch the essence of
criticisms launched by a man who has been living within a
religious atmosphere. There are times that the courts favor
(government) officials in such disputes.

Larantuka has shown us that our courts are at their lowest ebb
these days.

-- Koran Tempo, Jakarta