Image source: AP Photo/Hasan Jamali, File
It seems that protests are being held everywhere in our country. Somesay they hate our government system, while others want to overthrow the people in charge of our country.
What happens in real life also translates to similar heated atmosphereon the internet. Just log in to your social media. Boom. Hatred is everywhere.
This got me questioning: what is it that we really want?
A revolution? What kind of revolution? The one similar to May 1998 riots that left many people in deep trauma?
Our current situation reminds me of the Arab Spring several years ago.
A few months ago, during a protest in Jakarta, National Army Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Wuryanto warned the nation about Arab Springs conflict.
"It started with similar symptoms (like we're having right now in Indonesia). There are differences among people ridden by outside groups, the existence of armed groups, and interference of other countries," he said.
A good friend of mine was born and grew up in Libya, but he's now being separated from his family. He is a funny, good-hearted doctor whose family sent him away from his homeland during the turbulence there. I couldn't count how many times he said that he misses his home, friends, and life.
I see that war has shaped him into a strong and tough person. He often reminds me that I am lucky every time I complain about my hardships.
"There are a lot of people who are suffering in this world. Be grateful you are not living in a war," he said.
I could not agree more.
He's lucky that he's safe, uninjured, and able to escape the war even though he lost everything. There are many others in worse condition than him. Many are still stuck in a war zone and have nowhere to go. Innocent people were killed and abused across the region.
But did the conflict bring something better for the people and nations involved? Did the casualties pave the way for an improved society? Or did my friend suffer for nothing?
According to Amnesty International, five years after the Arab Spring uprisings against dictatorship, things are not looking good. In some countries, human rights are still under attack, armed conflicts still haunt the area, innocent civilians are still being killed, the list goes on.
I'm not attacking certain organization, institution, or people.All I want is us, together, to humbly realize that this is our homeland. Together, let'srespect each other and try to see that our differences are what makes us unique and colorful. Let's try to open our mind: just because some people are different, doesn't mean we have to hate them.
Remember that there is only one Indonesia in this world and we are Indonesia.
Our ancestors have worked so hard to unite this beautiful country and free us from colonialism.Please don't make their effort in vain.
The views expressed in this article reflect those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Brilio.
(brl/red)
