Warning

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