Throne for the people

Throne for the people

What are you after in life? A good reputation.

The late sultan Hamengkubuwono IX of Yogyakarta is worth remembering. For him, his throne had to benefit his people.

The sultan gave up all his privileges and made himself part of the Indonesian nation. His modesty and his refusal to be attached to fame and fortune made him a suitable role model for us all.

Unfortunately, many of us are attached to mundane matters and will try to obtain riches and reputation by hook or by crook. This attitude can be found at all social levels.

In Tanggamus, Lampung, 210 village heads were disappointed with their regional councillors for ignoring their aspirations. The regent and the regional councillors were unperturbed. The regent even said that the village heads could resign, as there were many others to replace them.

Well, in Jakarta, a governor that his people openly dislike has been reelected. Then a House Speaker already convicted of corruption feels neither guilty nor is willing to give up his position.

All this reflects the arrogance of our leaders. What will become of this country in the absence of ethics and morality? Our leaders prefer to enrich their own groups rather than bringing prosperity to the people.

How can we get out of our crisis if our leaders are of this quality? Just be patient until a real leader turns up.

-- Kompas, Jakarta