The voice of conscience

Arief Budiman's article Govt. and people may dance to different tunes (Sept. 25, 1996) was most worth reading. There he showed his consistence once again. His criticism is sharp yet constructive and painfully touches the reader's conscience. I'm sure even those who have developed thick layers of brick around their conscience can hear that deep inner voice calling out after reading his article.

I read his brother's diary when I was in elementary school; valuable reading indeed for the people of our country today, in which conscience is a source of suspicion and mockery. In his diary they will see that deep inside themselves is quietly buried the brave young Soe Hok Gie.

People are too afraid to listen to their inner voice. We are too concerned with status, wealth, and position to really say what we mean. Some people spend their life politicking, but when they retire they can no longer deny their long dormant conscience.

To be at peace is to be at peace with our conscience. Only few people are brave enough to accept this.

RAHAYU RATNANINGSIH

Jakarta