We need true believers in God

I couldn't help but laugh as I read Mr. Vleugels' letter of May 12, 1999, on his suggestion to find a "President with no religion", followed by comments from Ms. Nita and Mr. Gunawan Ahmad (May 18 and May 19 respectively). There shouldn't have been any dispute at all between the two parties -- especially the one from Mr. Ahmad, who emotionally suggested that Mr. Vleugels be deported from this country -- if they understood that indeed they started from the same angle, only with different terminologies.

I could understand Mr. Vleugels' frustration in dealing with the Indonesian government. And I would almost agree with him, if only he chose his words the other way around; that is to say, the Indonesian people should find a president who really believed in God.

As far as I am concerned, our former president and most of the debauched government officials were not true believers of God. People who really believe in God would be afraid of the punishment in the hereafter because of their deeds. If those officials really adhered to a certain religion, they would think twice before they indulged in bribery, collusion and many other sinful act. In reality they were only afraid of earthly punishment, not of the heavenly one.

For example, if our law prescribed the death penalty for a person who was involved in bribery, then, I believe, that our officials would behave properly. What is lacking in our legal system is officials who really believe in God and are willing carry out stronger sanctions against officials who just mask their deeds behind religious dogmas to cheat the people

Finally, I would like to echo Mr. Sidharta's joy and congratulate The Jakarta Post on its new website. It's really terrific!

NOOR B. RACHMANTO

Yogyakarta