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