We need to repent

I am concerned with your article Govt snubs call for national repentance (Oct. 13). To me, it is very sad to know that our own government does not realize the problems in our country. I certainly believe that many Indonesians are religious, but we can witness for ourselves how many teenagers are getting out of hand with their so-called "boyfriend-girlfriend" relationships. We have observed that ecstasy is still making headlines and how negative Western values have crept into our lives.

I do not believe that all this is "dramatized".

The Indonesian people must remember that Allah has said: "And whatever misfortunes befall you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much" (Koran 42.30).

We must repent and learn from our mistakes. We must also make changes in our lives to make sure that we do not repeat the same mistakes.

ISACH WAHYU ZULFIKAR KARMIADJI

Tangerang, West Java

Pucung, West Jav