The Jakarta Post
Wed, January 6, 2010 6:10 AM
Soothsayers see one somber metal tiger
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta - Headlines
As if the geographical and political rattles last year were not enough for
Indonesia, several soothsayers predict 2010 will be just as grim and precarious.
So, this year expect not to be soothed by fortune tellers, but realize it is
better to be safe than sorry.
One such soothsayer, Suhu Benny, advised people to avoid speculation this year,
the Chinese Year of the Metal Tiger, since things could slip up and fall apart
easily.
"Those who like to force their will upon others will face danger.
"Those who like to create ripples or desire to be distinguished among others
will have a hard time," he says.
Suhu Benny said that among the elements (or combinations of them) that would be
at play throughout most of 2010, the Earth's element of wood and Heaven's
element of metal, would not be friendly. Thus, yet another year of instability
lies ahead, he says.
"The economy will still be unstable... those who speculate must be more
careful," he says.
The metal element will effectively take over on Feb. 4, Benny says.
Another soothsayer, Ki Gendeng Pamungkas, also predicts instability, with
slightly more extreme consequences.
"There will be two bombings in Jakarta between April and October... there will
be a powerful earthquake of between 6.9 and 8 in magnitude, which will occur
between February and August," he says.
The tumultuous year will not only be marked by natural incidents, but also
political and social occurrences, Ki Gendeng says.
"There may be a riot in Jakarta between the local people and those from other
areas such as Maluku."
There will be friction in President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Cabinet, which
will lead to the ousting of one or two ministers, he says.
The President will also face difficulties in maintaining his facade of calmness
and kindness, Ki Gendeng adds.
"SBY has lost his Javanese nature... he has lost his spiritual status," he says.
Instability and troubled times will continue, up to a climax in 2010.
"If we think of this as a race, next year we will only be at the starting
line," Ki Gendeng said.
A little good news, however, came from Suhu Benny, who said that there would
not likely be major riots next year, especially if the ensuing problems, such
as the Bank Century brouhaha, could be settled before well into 2010.
"If these problems do not persist until April *next year*, there will be less
danger," he said.
Soothsayer Mama Lauren also warned of the tiger's sharp claws, but also
mentioned the silver lining that may appear next year.
"There will be many moments that will call for the restructuring of systems and
rules.
"But there will be many difficulties... there will still be leeway for
innovation, although the practice may be very hurtful," she said in her "2010
prediction" paper.
Mama Lauren said there would be many success stories and emerging stars in
sports and entertainment.
"The sports field will see a big, global success," she said.
Fashion will shift toward bright colors to match the nature of the tiger, and
plenty of breakthroughs regarding everyday objects, such as ballpoint pens and
disposable cameras, Mama Lauren added.
It seems a tough year is ahead of us.
Surely, things have never been easy for this country, ever since Sukarno's
Vivere Pericoloso speech in 1964.
But what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger, right? At least, you can
blame it all on the soothsayers. (dis)
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