Security is top priority<\/p>\n
As far as I can remember we Indonesians have never before
\nlived in such an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Not even
\nduring the Japanese occupation, nor during the time of the fierce
\nwar of independence against the Dutch colonialists, nor during
\nthe U.S. supported PRRI\/PERMESTA rebellion and the latest
\ncommunist uprising have the people been so affected by fear and
\nuncertainty. These days you don't know what is going to happen
\ntomorrow to you and to your family, to the nation or to the
\ncountry. It is like living in a jungle of lawlessness full of
\nbarbaric acts.<\/p>\n
The latest fashion is bombing targeted at government offices,
\nforeign embassies and international organizations, which are
\ntrying to help and ease tension in our country.<\/p>\n
If peace can be restored, confidence will come back, the
\nconfidence of the Indonesian people in the government, and
\nconfidence from the outside world. If law prevails, peace and
\norder will be maintained and the people can control themselves
\nand live according to the rules.<\/p>\n
The government is well aware of this and drastic steps have
\nbeen taken, among others removing weak officials from their
\nposts. Another positive step is that Jakarta has planned a month-
\nlong crackdown on criminals called the Jaya Mandiri Operation,
\nwhich focuses particularly on the possession of fire arms,
\nexplosive devices and drugs (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 22, 2000).<\/p>\n
This is a good step in the right direction of restoring law
\nand order. High government officials and political party elites
\nshould contribute in the efforts of bringing back a calm and
\npeaceful society and refrain from making unnecessary (let alone
\nconfusing) statements and comments. This is not the time for
\ntrying to be popular. This is the time to forge unity,
\ncooperation and efforts in restoring peace.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive shake up, the government should embrace
\nthe non-governmental organizations, which are sincerely trying to
\nhelp the government for the sake of the people. In my modest
\nopinion, students in particular can play a dominant and decisive
\nrole in this endeavor.<\/p>\n
The students are educated and can therefore control their
\nemotions and let logic and sense guide them. They will not easily
\nbe controlled by destructive elements who want to misuse them for
\ntheir own goals. The students have courage. So why don't we
\nembrace the students and ask them to support the government in
\nrestoring peace and order. One thing they can do in helping is to
\nstop all kinds of demonstrations. With their intellectual
\ncapacity and political knowledge they can discuss all kinds of
\nproblems without resorting to violent demonstrations. They can
\norganize meetings and iron out differences in a true democratic
\natmosphere.<\/p>\n
The struggle to improve the life of our nation continues, but
\nthe method used is different, more mature and civilized. So I
\nappeal to the students to think this over because the common
\npeople are suffering mentally and physically, and the students
\ncan help stop all these sufferings and bring the real aims of
\nreform to the surface.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/security-is-top-priority-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }