The Saga of P

Ora et Labora

Tomorrow marks 100-day anniversary of the new government led by incumbent S.B.Y. and ex-Indonesian central bank Boediono. Many people have expressed their disappointment in the new government, due to its apparent unresponsive behaviour towards larger-than-life issues, mostly revolving around the liquidation of ‘Bank Century’ and the near-capitation of anti-corruption agency KPK because its boss was implicated in a murder plot. Boy do they both smell like political and corruption scandals…

Large masses are gathering tomorrow, particularly in Jakarta (but also in other major cities around Indonesia) to protest against the presidency. Roads will be blocked. The police will be concentrated in likely points of demonstration gatherings, which almost always include the building of the people’s assembly (MPR/DPR).

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But really, how effective are these protests and riots? Before independence of Indonesia, sure, the young men and women who hold higher education are the ones who realize that people must be freed from oppression of the Dutch invaders. But now that we are free people, we have a different front that we must put ourselves to combat against.

It is no longer in the field of politics. As far as politics is concerned in this country, there will always be corruption, collusion and nepotism, at least until there are enough competent people to fill in those positions. That will happen eventually. However, to produce competent people in the first place, there is one thing that must occur first. The me-first mentality has to stop. The answer is provided by religion. As in, really really trying to understand what one’s purpose in the world, instead of becoming a slave to money.

Then these will follow:

1. The economy must be strengthened, as more people share and more people can buy the things they actually need
2. Education will become better
3. The next generation will, through education, recognize the good that the country has given them, particularly through better education backed by strong economy
4. Government people, as new generations fill in the gaps left by older generations, will become progressively cleaner

Protests and riots are not going to help in any of these steps. What people must do is go back to your factories, offices and colleges. Particularly university students; you are STUDENTS. Your job is to STUDY.

A Malaysian minister once said, “We (government) are the agents of change, not students. Students must do what they are supposed to do: STUDY.”

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So my message to anyone who will go down to the streets tomorrow: Don’t. It will not do anyone good – you will only cause more disruption in the economy, by blocking roads that are supposed to be available for commerce. Instead, go to your college as usual. Go to work as usual. And do it all as though you are doing it for God. Because that is the only way you can actually contribute to your country: ora et labora. Pray and work hard.