When will peace reign?

When will peace reign?

From Rakyat Merdeka

During vote-counting in the presidential election held in the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly in 1999, I was one of the millions of Indonesians who was nervous and tense. Thank God Abdurrahman Wahid finally collected the most votes and was therefore named Indonesia's fourth president.

I thank God that Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, leads this nation. He is smart, a kyai (venerated Islamic scholar/teacher) and is also from the Nahdlatul Ulama. He can't let himself act strangely, that's my assumption.

However, Indonesia is still in a mess. Some even think that the present condition is worse than during Soeharto's and Habibie's times. I myself cannot say so as I cannot find the right yardstick.

There is, nevertheless, one thing that is conspicuous: the absence of peace. People are overly worried or concerned over reports of clashes or bomb blasts in a number of regions. I get confused. Are the ministers and other high-ranking officials assisting Gus Dur really seriously? Who knows.

In brief, sharing the attitude of the people in general, I hope Gus Dur can establish peace immediately. To live a simple life is all right as long as there is peace and security. When, Gus?

SANTI

Jakarta