Warning
if the people leave
while rulers deliver speeches
we must watch out
perhaps they have lost hopeif the people hide away
and whisper
when discussing their problems
then rulers should beware and learn to listen
if the people don’t dare complain
then things are dangerous
and if the rulers’ talk
may not be rejected
truth must surely be under threat
and if suggestions are refused without consideration
voices silenced, criticisms banned without reason
accused of subversion and disturbing security
then there is only one word: resist!
Solo, 1986
(Translation of Peringatan)
Source:
Asia Pacific Solidarity Network (APSN)
Url: http://www.asia-pacific-solidarity.net/southeastasia/indonesia/publications/prdbook/wijipoem.htm
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- Other Version
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Reminder
If the people leave
while the rulers make a speech
We must be careful
Perhaps they are desperate
When the people hide
and whisper
while discussing their own problems
the rulers must be vigilant and learn to listen
If the people don’t dare to complain
That means it is serious
And if what the rulers say
Is not to be disputed
Then the truth is surely in danger
If proposals are rejected without consideration
Voices silenced criticism banned for no reason
Accused of subversion and disturbing the peace
Then there is only one word: Resist!
Wiji Thukul, Solo, 1986
(Translated by Will Derks 1995)
- Source:
Institut für Asien- und Afrikawissenschaften
Philosophische Fakultät III der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Südostasien Working Papers No. 38, Berlin 2009
https://www.iaaw.hu-berlin.de/de/southeastasia/history/publications/pdf/soa-wp-038-performing-arts-and-politics-in-new-order-indonesia-compromise-and-resistance-muhammad-febriansyah.pdf