Caterpillars Are a ‘Warning From God,’ House Speaker Says

Jakarta Globe, April 13, 2011

A Ministry of Agriculture official displaying caterpillars during an outbreak
in Medan, North Sumatra, on Wednesday. House of Representatives (DPR)
Speaker Marzuki Alie says an outbreak of caterpillars that has reached plague
proportions in parts of Indonesia is a warning from God. (Antara Photo)

A senior politician from the ruling Democratic Party says an outbreak of caterpillars that has reached plague proportions in parts of Indonesia is a warning from God.

House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Marzuki Alie, who has a reputation for putting his foot in his mouth, said on Wednesday that the caterpillar infestations in parts of Bali, Java, Jakarta and Sumatra was a message from God for Indonesians to look inwards and evaluate themselves.

Caterpillar

“Yes, it was God’s warning,” Marzuki said at the DPR. “It is God’s warning that we should introspect and make changes. Every incident has a meaning behind it.”

Marzuki said it was “not good” for us to keep on debating and fighting over issues.

He said Indonesia was facing many problems and therefore it was better for all elements in society to focus on their work for the betterment of the nation.

Marzuki has most recently made headlines for continuing to push for the controversial construction of a Rp 1.13 trillion office tower for legislators.

When an NGO threatened to file a lawsuit against him, Marzuki claimed that nongovernmental organizations did not represent the people, lawmakers did.

“[NGOs] please don’t speak on behalf of the people, House members are the official representatives,” he said.

In late October, following the tsunami that devastated the Mentawai Islands off West Sumatra, Democrat and House Speaker Marzuki Alie was widely criticized for saying the victims should have expected the disaster.

“If you’re afraid of waves, don’t live by the shore,” he said. “To be swept away by a big wave or by a tsunami is probably the consequence of living on an island.”

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