Channeling people's aspirations

Channeling people's aspirations

From Pelita

The development of political activities is getting hotter. In
all occasions the media are reporting on the prevailing conflicts
which tend to benefit an individual or a group. The application
of democracy in this country during the past two years seems to
have stressed the "people's sovereignty", which is taken to mean
"freedom" but disrespects other basic elements of human aspects.

It has been quite common for a group of people to express
themselves by way of a demonstration, instead of channeling their
aspirations to the House of Representatives. And, worse still,
they hold their demonstrations ignoring the existing regulations.
They tend to brutality and impose their demands, which often
results in violence. What entails is a confrontation between the
demonstrators and the apparatuses.

Many perceive such a phenomenon as a common event, thinking
that Indonesian democracy in still in its infancy. There is some
truth in that idea. But a right solution should be sought so that
the democracy can be applied properly.

Many scholars are of the opinion that the application of
democracy in Indonesia should conform with universal values. But
they should also consider local values, because not all which is
universal is in harmony with the local culture and environment.

HASRIL HAMID AN

Bekasi, West Java