Of a Church Been Burnt Down

Some people refer to Indonesia as model country for practicing pluralism, respect for the different and being diversely rich yet united in one nation. It's our pride, the only thing we could be proud of among all the disasters, mismanagement and tragedies resulting from our own wrongdoings. Our top politicians boast off that regard, our white collars stake their business upon that ground and our blue-collars embody it in their lives. We've done so without ever thinking that it's all but fragile.

We are a fragile nation.

We've been a fledgling democratic nation torn by sectarian conflicts and religious clashes right after we decided to start our first tentative step into 'true freedom' after being throttled for 32 years. We've let wolves slip not-so quietly among us. We've let churches be burnt, be torn down, be tainted sacrilegiously.

And still we've never learned.

And up to this day, my heart still bleed for you, Indonesia.

* * *

On December 17, 2009, people including women and their very young children from an unknown group attacked the currently constructed St Albertus Catholic Church in Bekasi, Indonesia. Whoever they are, the damage was committed. The attack has been investigated ever since, but my underline is that it's not the first time (nor it'll be the last time). Without any need to be suspicious or exaggerating, I only want to ask my country, my nation and my fellow citizens, "Why do you abandon us?"