Forum: Without sense of urgency

Sat, 09/13/2008 9:55 AM  |  Reader's Forum

I appreciate the writer's support of Winter's remark , the absence of a sense of urgency. However, the recent remarkable successes of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to bring to justice corrupt central bank directors, judges and legislators proves that we have the will and capacity for reform.

Cleaning up the branches of government is urgent and is a priority, as this will pave the way for a just and progressive society.

I also appreciate the writer's attention to Constitutional Court chief Mahmud M.D.'s view on religious bylaws. It is a misplaced effort to legislate religion; a government's sole role is to protect the faiths of the community such that they may exist within the corridor of laws.

You ended your article with a call not to despair. Indeed we should not because Indonesians have the capacity to solve our problems. We must rise to the challenge, and we must build with what progress we have achieved thus far.

Yes, keep faith and do have a sense of urgency.

JAMES WOWOROENDENG
Jakarta

 

I have lived in Indonesia and I feel I am at least more aware of Indonesia than most Indonesians are of my home country. To me, as an individual, it seems clear that the creation of a "just" society is one that depends on everyone acknowledging the rule of law.

A law that is based on protecting people rather than punishing them. A law that is separated from religion and, to a greater extent, politics.

You can prosecute as many corrupt officials as you like, but the disrespect for law that exists in Indonesia is evident in every street, most notably from my experience in police officers stopping you for "lunch money".

I doubt Indonesians will ever think beyond "their kampung", "their city" or "their race" long enough for a real nation to ever truly "awaken".

JEREMY JAMES
Jakarta

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