A pattern of violence

It is still not clear how the fire at the Legal Aid Institute in Medan occurred or who caused it. Nevertheless there is the uneasy feeling that we, as a nation, might let ourselves become trapped in the unending pattern of violence that invites more violence. This is a lesson we are now learning from other nations: If one falls into a pattern of violence against violence, or violence that leads to more violence, the chain will never be broken. At the same time people are learning that violence is not a reliable solution, whether concerning internal matters or differences among nations.

It is one of our better qualities that Indonesians are generally tolerant and willing to talk over our differences. Unlike several other countries, the use of violence is not customary in our country, much less is it a part of our culture. Violence is an exception, and when it occurs it is not part of any habit or pattern. There was a time in our history when political violence almost developed into a pattern. We agreed at that time that this was the consequence of a political style that was dominated by the communist philosophy and the communist movement.

Times have changed -- we are frequently told. And indeed, things have developed and changed. The complexity of the changes that have come from within and without have given rise to many things, even repeated incidents which ask for our attention. Student brawls are an example. There is also criminal violence and brutality. People are willing to kill for a little money. A slight collision can lead to a destructive emotional outburst. A number of incidents indicate that a tendency towards reckless action is present among us.

Violence, which in many countries has led to terror, has to a certain extent grown an embryo here. We have to be come to our senses and be aware and alert.

-- Kompas, Jakarta