A tough time of transition

A tough time of transition

Why was it easier for us to maintain our national integrity
during the period of revolution against the Dutch? Because we had
a common enemy. That helped us create a sense of national
belonging and integrity.

And the reason we managed for more than half a century to
repress our urge to quarrel and to differ with each other was --
to be frank -- that we had strong governments.

The current reform drive, however, demands a different
environment. We want pure democracy -- government for the people
by the people. We want more freedom. We are entering a new
cultural environment, and periods of transition are as a rule
precarious and full of dichotomies and obstacles.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta