Can this column create action?

Your Letters column gives the public a wonderful opportunity to voice their opinions. Sometimes the letters get results or reactions.

After having read so many articles about oft-mentioned topics like street brawls, firecrackers, traffic congestion, pollution, being cheated, thefts, vigilantes, politicians, etc., I wonder shouldn't the government, police and top officials respond to inform what actions have been taken about these serious problems.

The people who contributed to this column are crying out to the public for support and want to see action, also to advise, notify, report, inform, warn, etc. And I wonder if there is any way that this column could have more power and influence than just a column for readers to browse and share their feelings and thoughts?

Perhaps there are only a few people who are concerned enough to speak up on a regular basis with the likes of contributors like Gandhi Sukardi. In my opinion it would be nice if the topics detrimental to our lives and livelihood were lodged before government officials. But then again, perhaps the public outcry is already known to them and it's too far out of control for the "heads" to do anything about. Everyone seems to be swinging head- deep in turmoil and everything around appears to be bursting out of control.

Nevertheless, there is much weight in the letters contributed to this column and it would be a crying shame to see the concern and efforts of the letter writers not be taken seriously and responded to appropriately by the authorities. Perhaps my thoughts to add more significance to this column goes way beyond the "politics" involved? On the other hand maybe there has been more response to the articles than I have been aware of.

C. PARRY

Jakarta