REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, By : Ahmad Syafii Maarif
In May, 1960, an article in Panji Masyarakat magazine led by Prof Hamka rocked power hegemony of the time. Under the headline "Our Democracy", Bung Hatta, first Indonesia's vice president, said that democracy could be suppressed for a while due to the fault of the irresponsible supporters, but it cannot be killed. In conjunction with the history of modern Indonesia, Bung Hatta categorically asserted diminishing democracy could lead to diminishing Indonesia's freedom. The strong Bung Hatta's faith on democratic system cannot be separated with the sustainability of nation's freedom. Everybody agreed, Hatta was a true democrat in theory and practice.
Around the middle of last century, the followers of Hatta scattered among Masjumi Party, the Catholic Party, the Socialist Party of Indonesia, Indonesian National Party, Christian Party of Indonesia, and in the other parties. Hatta was a center of excellent for Indonesian democrats. Only the PKI (Indonesian Communist Party) are openly being anti- Hatta, because, the Bukittinggi born leader never trusted PKI allegiance to Indonesian nationalism. Hatta is the father of Indonesia's Democracy who highly upholds morality in politics. Bung Hatta's weakest point lies in his patientless to hang on an important position in the current balance of power which tends to undermine democracy.
Hatta was also an ascetic when on face to face to power. [Our] nation is lucky to have leaders that are difficult to look for their complementary, but there are generations followed. There are ordinary human beings who have done extraordinary jobs as it has been featured in Kick Andy Metro TV's show, Maarif Institute, and MNCTV, giving optimism that in the middle of our silence conscience, there are children of nation who does not dissolve in the behavior of "bone scrambling". They themselves are melting on public interest.
If we try an imaginary dialogue with the spirit of Bung Hatta, over the situation of democracy, in the era of reform and in the hands of fortune seekers, Bung Hatta certainly will feel very sorry watching their behavior. How low the level of their political civility was. Democratic system, in theory, aimed to uphold justice and the welfare of the people as a whole, why has it now been converted into a means to "bone scrambling". Sainthood has destroyed, there is a lost for sense of responsibility, paralyzed conscience, common sense oppressed, and all that remains is the pretense which wrapped with a fake smile and it's very annoying. Never think that many people do not listen carefully to this political hypocrisy. In their hearts, saying: "Stop all this, if not, we will surely punish you". Democracy should not be used as toys. The bet is the nation and state which partly neglected.
Hatta spirit will certainly say: "O my people! Stop planting cane on the lips, there is no point, after all rotten things always smelled, deceitful will be exposed, sooner or later. It's only a matter of time." Democracy for the losers is nothing more than a means to improve their kitchen, enlarging their houses, buying new cars, or marrying additional wife. Their behavior is so stinking. However, Hatta certainly not regret for choosing democracy for Indonesia's freedom, because when democracy stood still and strong that will be definitely our future. Therefore, the true democrat should not be ingested with ridiculous illusion that the authoritarian system is better than democracy. Our need, to be undertaken jointly, is to repel and banish the evil viruses attached by the scavengers (fortune seeker) on democracy that cause it pain and suffering.
Finally, it's important to watch young voters' attitude, which consisted of above 30 percent of Indonesia's population, whom seem anemic to participate in the election because they see the journey of defected democracy was directed by the hands of irresponsible politicians. In fact, the younger generation is actually very concerned for the establishment of a healthy democracy building, because on the deadline for 15-20 years to come, they will be a major player in national politics and regional stage. Democracy always require strong spiritual stamina of his supporters, that should not fail to fulfill the expectations, though it really exhausted.
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