Things I learned on how to love Indonesia

I have been learning a lot about love lately. Entering a new chapter of my life with someone I love so deeply, who I know loves me so much, had me learn and unlearn many things that I held on to all my life. After all, I realized that love never fails. In the end, love is what matters–the greatest of all.

—

I knew I had always loved Indonesia. When I was younger, I cried at every flag ceremony, which I thought was weird. Growing up, I realized I love this country deeply–too deeply, sometimes, which might not make sense to some.

Nevertheless, I could not conceal that my heart is deeply hurt by what has happened lately. I am profoundly disappointed and mad. As someone who boasts about Indonesia a lot, a conversation with a stranger in the church struck me. When I mentioned Indonesia, his top of mind was, sadly, its corrupt government. What made me even sadder was that I could not say anything about it, as even for me, what he said was true.

So, what is love? Where is love?

It says not to dishonor others, not to be self-seeking, not to be easily angered, and not to keep no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4–5). But I am mad, sad, and consumed by it.

I want to rant, to be angry, to run.

“As much as you love, you need to be ready to be hurt,” they said.

I thought I was ready to be hurt, but the people? Do they even deserve to be treated like this?

However, God reminds me of His love through a man He puts in my life.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:6–7).

I know I sometimes go crazy, but the man who loves me, Alex, never dishonors me, leaves me, or nitpicks my past wrongdoings.

But still, Alex did not stay still and let me fall for my wrongdoings.

He would correct me when I did something wrong, told me what was right;

He will be there for me, patiently guiding, faithfully accompanying, and rejoicing when I hit the goal.

I want to do the same for Indonesia.

I’m not going to stay still and accept. Love corrects, too.

Though I might be the most annoying person in the world for him sometimes,

Though I might hurt him so deeply,

Though people see me as ‘not worthy,’

Alex was there. He trusts, believes in, and does not give up on me.

I want to do the same for Indonesia.

I still have hope; I won’t give up.

Just like Alex chose to love me no matter what, I learned that love should be that way.

Though it doesn’t make sense, I want to choose to love.

I love Indonesia, so I want to do the same.

–To stand on what is right, to correct the wrongdoings, but also to believe and hope.

Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).

I hope it won’t.