The people all across Indonesia were angered by the immoral behavior of the parliament member who claimed to be part of the honorary council. While citizens were struggling in a difficult and uncertain economy, taxes were actually raised, and even worse, the taxes that were collected were then embezzled by the vile corruptors.
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In addition to a more proportional tax system, the public is unanimously demanding that corruptors receive the severest possible punishments, such as being sentenced to death after all their assets have been seized.
Members of Parliament, who are supposed to fight for the people, are instead asking for an increase in their salaries and housing allowances. The public is, of course, furious because they consider their representatives to be insensitive and unempathetic to the suffering of the people, who are currently struggling just to make their ends meet.
Feeling their voices were ignored, the people launched various harsh criticisms against the members of parliament. Out of frustration, they even proposed that the House of Representatives be dissolved because it was seen as not benefiting the constituents they represent.
The situation escalated when a member of parliament named Sahroni responded to the proposal, calling the demand to dissolve the House of Representatives an idea from "the dumbest people in the world." This statement was the final straw, ultimately igniting public fury.
Widespread demonstrations erupted across Indonesia, starting in Jakarta where lives were lost. The protests became increasingly chaotic, with buildings being burned and destroyed, and the movement's original goals were lost in the escalating violence.
As a result, restrictions on outdoor activities are now in place. Schools have shifted to online classes and many people are working from home. The economy and social life have both suffered—all due to the vile and greedy behavior of the shameless members of parliament.
Pain in the ass
This situation is a perfect example of the Javanese proverb, Aji Godhong Jati Aking. These so-called honorable members of parliament are no better than bloodsucking leeches. Rather than working for the public's well-being, they are plundering the nation's wealth for their own selfish interests.
The proverb itself can be broken down: Aji means "valuable," Godhong Jati is "teak leaf," and aking means "dry." This saying compares a person or thing to a dry teak leaf, implying they are completely worthless, as if they are not even as valuable as a single, brittle, dry leaf.
This Javanese philosophy teaches us about resilience, patience, and wisdom. In Javanese culture, the teak tree is considered a symbol of strength and durability. Its strong wood can be used for a variety of long-lasting and termite-resistant household furniture. Meanwhile, its leaves can be used to wrap food or as a natural dye.
This highlights who the real "scum of society" is. Who is truly the boss, and who is subservient? Those who are supposed to serve the public are instead stealing their money, their work amounting to nothing more than lazy inactivity.
Because of this, Javanese elders would use the expression "Aji Godhong Jati Aking" as a subtle reminder. The proverb suggests a dry teak leaf is more valuable than those with a "beggar's mentality" who do nothing but demand things and burden the people. After all, a dry teak leaf can still be used to wrap tempeh or serve as kindling for a fire.
In a hadith narrated by Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, the Prophet (ï·º) said,
"It is better for one of you to take a rope and go to the mountains and bring a bundle of wood on his back and sell it, so that Allah may preserve his honor, than to ask people for money, whether they give him or not."
A beggar's mentality, whether held by a common person or a member of parliament, is nothing more than a manifestation of true laziness. They may be educated and intelligent, but they feel no shame in constantly asking for various allowances and facilities while the ordinary people are struggling, fighting tooth and nail, just to survive. Aren't they the true burden on the nation?
The Javanese idiom also suggests that those who hold power and authority may collapse without warning. Therefore, before your power and influence fade, you should make every effort for the greater good—otherwise, you'll be doomed to fall just like the tyrants of history.
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