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Letter: A leader is a teacher
I could not believe when I read The Jakarta Post last week about Tifatul Sembiring’s disparaging comment with regards to the comparison of the crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ to the regrettable video by the alleged three celebrities
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I
could not believe when I read The Jakarta Post last week about Tifatul Sembiring’s disparaging comment with regards to the comparison of the crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ to the regrettable video by the alleged three celebrities.
The latter has clearly shattered the nation’s confidence in its morals and ethics.
However, to compare the content of the video to the belief in Christian faith is far more damaging to the nation. It indicates a lack of respect, tolerance and knowledge to the other’s faith, especially by a communications and information technology minister.
Are these the kind of leadership qualities that will be carried out by the next generation of Indonesia? Tifatul should consider that a leader is a teacher.
A leader’s act will be copied by others. An act and comment made by a leader will be echoed in the minds of the ones they lead in many years to come.
Has Tifatul thought further the effect of his irresponsible and ignorant comment to the morale of the young generation of Indonesia? Perhaps, Tifatul should also consider that his comment has made Indonesia, the laughing-stock of many nations, more and more each day.
Herewith, is food for thought of what is expected of a good leader or leader: Good teachers have high self-esteem and thus respected by their students, bad teachers are so inferior that they are ignored by their students.
Good teachers never underestimate any of their students, bad teachers think that no one can match them. Good teachers bring their students adventure and sense of humor in studying, bad teachers bring fear.
Good teachers are firm but kind, bad teachers don’t know the difference. Good teachers are like rare pearls scattered in the deep ocean, how lucky the students who found them.
Remember Minister Tifatul, a leader is certainly a teacher who can provide good or bad examples to the ones they lead. It is certainly not a position to conduct damaging act and remarks.
I hope to hear more responsible and dignified acts from the communications and information technology minister in the future as a good leader should.
Audrey Caron Rumamby
Jakarta
