To Repair This Nation’s Damage, It Must Be Done Together with Leaders Possessing Spiritual Intelligence
By, Jacob Ereste
Freelance Journalist
The spiritual journey—drawing closer to God—is not merely a matter of worship, but also about purity of heart and soul, honesty, and sincerity in the integrity of daily life. Therefore, a consistent attitude and character—both inwardly and in the process of achieving spiritual practice—are non-negotiable prerequisites. Thus, selfishness, greed, and avarice can be overcome through self-control, preventing ourselves from forcing ourselves to seize things that are not meant to be owned or controlled.
This is ethics—the primary foundation for preventing bad behavior, let alone slipping into crimes such as corruption, abuse of authority, or even betrayal of the noble goals of the nation and state, which must be framed by unity and togetherness, a shared destiny, and shared responsibility. This way, national values and statesmanship can be maintained in carrying out the functions and duties entrusted to us by the people.
The current reality is quite the opposite: personal, group, and family interests are prioritized, neglecting—or even overpowering—the interests of the general public or the people, which should be prioritized by protecting, nurturing, and serving them.
That is why when state officials act arbitrarily toward the people, they deserve to be condemned and cursed to receive the appropriate retribution for the karma inflicted upon them. Formal law is not considered valid for those who feel they have power over all matters in this country.
At the very least, if ethics, the primary foundation for preventing bad behavior, does not allow it to occur, then the moral level, as a life attitude that maintains self-integrity and a sense of responsibility based on a well-maintained social awareness, should prevent the behavior of state officials in many matters.
Likewise, noble morals—as the primary support for good and correct spiritual practice—as the pinnacle of character’s light in good and commendable behavior, are only possible and maintained by a sincere and genuine inner awareness that avoids the egocentricity that often emerges uncontrollably in those who do not delve into the spiritual practices that are essential for governing this nation and state. Therefore, a leader with spiritual intelligence is needed to correct the ethical, moral, and ethical decay of the administrators of this country.
Asset misappropriation, the depletion of natural resources, the embezzlement of development project funds, and greedy and avaricious behavior continue to surface and have become a fashion for competing for personal enrichment at the expense of others, seemingly a culture no longer shameful.
The phenomenon of corruption, which continues to emerge in all fields of work—including education and religion—continues to occur and becomes increasingly confusing for anyone unwilling to participate.
Likewise, the phenomena of corruption and bribery, which have infiltrated and permeated the legal and judicial spheres, are truly extraordinary. These acts are carried out without any awareness of the enormity of the sins they bear, as they have damaged the most fatal foundations of life.
The movement to awaken spiritual awareness and understanding, which has been advocated by GMRI (Indonesian Moral Reconciliation Movement) since the time of Gus Dur and Susuhunan Paku Buwono XII, is now being continued by Sri Eko Sriyanto Galgendu, along with GMRI’s Principal Advisor, Dr. (Hc) KH. Muhammad Habib Khirzin, and other religious figures, to improve the governance of this country. This approach must be approached with spiritual values, which will undoubtedly prioritize the ethics, morals, and ethics of state and government officials who appear to be neglecting spiritual values. Because the essence of spirituality is not merely an inner experience or a mere ritual, but also a way of life that requires a pure heart, honesty of soul, and a sincere attitude to serve the people, namely all Indonesian citizens who have long longed for freedom from poverty and ignorance. To achieve all of this, the people must experience real, just prosperity, as agreed upon when the proclamation of this nation was proclaimed 80 years ago.
Therefore, to remedy the various corruptions that have occurred in this country, so that it is free and independent with full sovereignty, economically independent, and with a strong and reliable personality that is respected by friends and foes alike—especially foreign nations that continue to push for control of this country—can only be established on a strong ethical foundation, a solid moral foundation.True to noble morals, imbued with divine light, as bestowed by God upon humanity as khalifatullah (vicegerents) on earth. And our country—Indonesia—is a paradise worthy of being enjoyed by all its people, without the deceit and greed of controlling and possessing it for personal gain, as tends to be the case today.***
Banten, October 8, 2025
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