Another dubious distinction

Another dubious distinction

From Panji Masyarakat

The protracted economic crisis and the happenings in East Timor have left us saddened and needing to take a deep breath. The behavior of some leaders and members of the political elite has worsened the country's dire situation. Our list of dubious distinctions is growing, from "world champion in corruption" to "an uncivilized country".

The people have long since seen injustice and disorder in the management by the state but have remained silent. They know who is actually in power -- not the government, not the police, not the high institutions. The real power lies in the hands of a group of people who do not know what shame is. They thirst for riches and hunger for power, resorting to whatever means to get what they want.

The people keep silent because they know that many authorities are of a nature and an attitude that is actually only befitting hoodlums and bandits. The people say nothing because they have learned from their own experience or that of others. If they speak of injustice and disorder, they will become the victims themselves. It would only extend the list of people who have been unjustly treated and whose human rights have been violated. Worse, they could make it onto the list of missing persons.

Although many people guard their silence, an increasing number of others dare to speak out. Pius Lustrilanang disclosed military involvement in abductions and Rudy Ramli's courage to speak up is expected to expose the involvement of high officials in the practice of dirty politics.

Our hope is that those now in power will realize that their power does not fall from the skies or that it is luck. The power is given them by the people's trust and therefore all their actions should be for the welfare of the people, the nation and country in order that Indonesia will be on a level with other countries and considered a civilized country. May God help us all.

SUDI ARIYANTO

Jakarta