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Letter: Example from 'Mbah' Maridjan


In these times of turmoil and grave uncertainty, when several disasters have struck our beloved Indonesia, when so many elected leaders fail to show leadership, when a great number of legislators apparently fail to remember that they have sworn to represent the people, when the utterances of ministers show an inexcusable lack of wisdom, the Creator has actually sent us a very clear sign.

I am talking about Mbah Maridjan, the spiritual guardian of Mount Merapi. He was given this important appointment by Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX, and for the remaining three decades of his life he did his best in faithfully carrying out his duties.

He became famous during the last four years of his life, but he remained an unpretentious man. Of course, many people disagreed with Mbah Maridjan’s decision to remain at his home in Kinahrejo, Umbulharjo, at the time when the volcano was at its most dangerous and in imminent danger of erupting.

Those who disagreed also deeply regret that several other people perished together with Mbah Maridjan in his home.

But I beg to differ. The way I see it, Mbah Maridjan courageously chose to remain at his post and carry out what he firmly believed was his sacred responsibility toward the Sultan of Yogyakarta and Mount Merapi.

He didn’t desert his duty. He knew full well that he was in danger of losing his life, but he remained loyal to his vow to devotedly serve until the very end. This steadfast devotion to duty, this unwavering loyalty, deserves our highest respect and is a sterling example to all of us.

I believe the Creator has sent us this sign. To save our beloved Indonesia, we should emulate the praiseworthy characteristics of Mbah Maridjan — honor, devotion to duty, integrity and the courage to do what is right.

Dear Mbah Maridjan, thank you for giving us this wonderful example. May the Creator receive your soul safely, and bless you eternally with His love and light.

Tami Koestomo
Bogor, West Java

Source : http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/11/01/letter-example-'mbah'-maridjan.html