The power of information<\/p>\n
In time of crisis, whether it is economic, political or
\nmonetary, such as that we are experiencing at present, we feel
\nthe importance of the role of information, especially information
\ncoming from the right source, which is the government. The
\ngovernment should realize how important its role is, it should be
\nconsidered as the one and only legal and dependable source of
\ninformation. Information must be given at the right time and in a
\nway acceptable to the people to create an atmosphere of
\nconfidence and peace. Peace or trouble mostly depends on what
\nkind of information the people get and how accurate and timely it
\nis when disseminated.<\/p>\n
In an information vacuum the situation becomes fertile ground
\nfor irresponsible persons or groups to disseminate issues with
\nthe sole aim to create confusion. It is very unfortunate that,
\nusually, rumors coming from unknown sources are likely to attract
\na lot of attention from both the uneducated and educated public
\nalike, quickly spreading from mouth to mouth.<\/p>\n
After the rush panic buying, the government made all kinds of
\nstatements to calm the people and give assurances that everything
\nis under control and that there is enough stock of the most
\nessential daily needs.<\/p>\n
Newspapers of Jan. 9 are full of explanations given by
\ncompetent officials in a coordinated way which had a positive
\neffect on the emotions of the people. Minister Hartarto, Minister
\nTungky Ariwibowo and the BULOG Chief all gave optimistic
\npictures, backed by statistics.<\/p>\n
Other heartening news, like the postponement of purchases of
\nArmed Forces (ABRI) equipment which would cost about US$20
\nmillion and further slimming down ABRI's Foreign Attaches is a
\ngood example of ABRI's understanding of the situation and their
\nwillingness to sacrifice, to help the country get out of the
\npresent crisis.<\/p>\n
The Love Rupiah drive spearheaded by Mrs. Siti Hardiyanti
\nRukmana (Mbak Tutut), who started to sell her dollars shows a
\npositive development in national awareness.<\/p>\n
It seems that the telephone conversation between President
\nClinton and President Soeharto has stimulated our economy
\nfavorably. The Indonesian people have the right to know all these
\ndevelopments and the government has the duty and obligation to
\ninform the people of what is going on.<\/p>\n
The people should know everything to create the feeling that
\nthis is their country (a sense of belonging) and that they too
\nare responsible for the ups and downs and feel obliged to
\ncooperate with the government in finding a way out of the
\nexisting problems.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-power-of-information-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }