The riot in Medan<\/p>\n
The recent workers' riot to demand an increase in the minimum
\nwage in Medan, North Sumatra, has left one person dead, dozens of
\nothers injured and over 100 shops and scores of motorized
\nvehicles damaged.<\/p>\n
In evaluating the situation, the Bukit Barisan Military
\nCommander, Maj. Gen. A. Pranowo, said the riot grew out of a
\nimproperly motivated demonstration. In justification of the
\nmilitary's action in quelling the riot, he pointed out that a
\nthird party had taken advantage of the labor movement to further
\nits own interests. He said it was necessary for the military to
\nstep in due to its responsibility to maintain order, adding that
\nthe labor movement's actions upset stability and security by
\nbringing up matters related to SARA (racial, tribal, religious
\nand societal issues).<\/p>\n
We hail the military commander's evaluation of the situation
\nbecause we should be wise enough to learn from our past
\nexperiences. The past has shown us all to well that brutal and
\nirresponsible demonstrations will only result in great losses to
\nthe public.<\/p>\n
If brutality and criminality develop, democracy will fade out.
\nTherefore the rules of the game must always be upheld in every
\nactivity we undertake as citizens of this nation.<\/p>\n
-Suara Karya, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-riot-in-medan-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }