Use conscience and logic

Use conscience and logic

From Media Indonesia

A man claiming to be a religious leader issued a statement on April 17, 2001, broadcasted by several media, that would make most people's hair stand on end.

In the statement, he called for a joint force from all national elements to topple the government of President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid. To make his dream come true he has mobilized some 150,000 militiamen who believe that to die in an effort to oust a despotic president is to die a death of martyrdom.

Only a couple of days ago, similar calls were also heard and voiced by a leader of Gus Dur's group: To die in defense of a legitimate government against bughot (rebellion) would amount to die as a martyr. As the leading figure of this group prepares his forces, the other braces for an even larger number of supporters. Those statements -- tragic, perplexing, saddening and even embarrassing -- were aired by Indonesians, who embrace the same religion and are generally knowledgeable in religious matters.

It is hard to imagine what would happen were the two conflicting groups to clash. What would the peaceful aspirations of Indonesia and the Islamic slogan rahmatan lil'alami (benefit for the world) become of?

It would be much better if our leaders could contain their emotions and to take it on the chin. It is the general public who will eventually suffer because of political maneuvering by our leaders. I beg them, therefore, to use their conscience and logic!

SYAHRUL E. DASOPANG

Jakarta