Peaceful rallies preferable<\/p>\n
Iqbal Widastomo, Research Associate, London School of Economics,
\nLondon<\/p>\n
In the past few years it has been rare that Indonesia has been
\nportrayed on the likes of CNN or BBC in a positive light. More
\noften than not the reports focus on the rampant violence and
\nconflicts.<\/p>\n
Reports of recent demonstrations in the heart of Jakarta
\nprovoked thought among viewers. For once there were no signs of
\nexcited youths on top of buses wildly waving flags or shouting
\nout complaints, and happily there were no signs of violence or
\nrioting that consistently cloud the whole purpose of
\ndemonstrations.<\/p>\n
No, these peaceful rallies included, first, one by Indonesian
\nwomen calling for the nation to stop and think about how overt
\nconsumerism has become an obsession for our people and how it is
\nundermining the social fabric. More recently, thousands upon
\nthousands of Indonesians rallied against the war in Iraq.<\/p>\n
Here were demonstrations that could be seen to be working.
\nThey were expressing concerns, bringing them into focus for more
\npeople and encouraging people to enter into the debate and show
\ntheir concern for the future of our nation and the world.<\/p>\n
Even though the rallies revolved around deeply worrying
\naspects of our lives, the fact that these people were able to
\nexpress and peacefully demonstrate their concerns in the heart of
\nthe capital is a welcome contribution to the nation.<\/p>\n
After so many years of harsh and unforgiving dictatorship,
\nIndonesia seems to have exploded, or perhaps more accurately
\nimploded, in a series of conflicts that have led to deaths and
\ndestruction. The messages of various rallies have become lost in
\nthe acrid smoke of burning tires and even, sometimes, spilt
\nblood.<\/p>\n
Some say "without pain there is no gain" but Indonesia has
\nsuffered enough pain and surely we now deserve the right to a
\nvoice without fear and reprisals. Dissenting voices have to be
\nheard, whether they are from an individual, a demonstrating group
\nor a newspaper or magazine that takes an opposing view, as the
\nright to peaceful dissent is one of the fundamental pillars of
\ndemocracy.<\/p>\n
And perhaps we are on the threshold of a new beginning. With
\nthe new millennium still in its infancy, globalization changing
\nthe way the world works and the dark clouds of war and terrorism
\novershadowing world affairs, this is a time of great challenges.<\/p>\n
As globalization grows it becomes more important for us to
\nhonor and respect diversity instead of trying to impose an
\nartificial man-made unity.<\/p>\n
Demonstrations show that people care and are thoughtful about
\nthe way our nation and the world is managed and develops. They
\nhighlight the existence and need to tolerate different views and
\nreflect the growth of civil society.<\/p>\n
Globalization brings more choice to our lives; yet more could
\nmean less in terms of real value to our lives, among others in
\ncaring and sharing. We exercise our minds to consider how best to
\nmanage ourselves and our neighborhoods and communities.<\/p>\n
The challenges of the 21st century require that we are able to
\nthink globally, and simultaneously act locally. We need to
\nunderstand the global context of what is happening in our world
\nbut we must respond to this locally by being active. If we remain
\npassive we will surely be left behind. Demonstrations exemplify
\naction and as such are important.<\/p>\n
But we need to ensure that they are not distorted by violence
\nor sidelined as the actions of extremists. Demonstrations on the
\nstreets of Jakarta demonstrate more tolerance of the expression
\nof diverse opinions. We must commend those that are already so
\nactive and encourage many more to be similarly motivated and
\npeacefully vociferous.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/peaceful-rallies-preferable-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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