Clarifying and also confusing

Our opinions are understandably influenced by the media, that image created by the newspapers and the television that plays a major role in formulating what we perceive to be as truth. The problem is, the more you read the more confused you can become, and with that confusion comes speculation that is often not worth very much.

The other day I read that a recent study carried out by the Ministry of Defense found that no fewer than 15 provinces in Indonesia were vulnerable to religious and ethnic conflict. That in itself was not at all confusing, and I suppose quite believable.

But when President Megawati Soekarnoputri says that the dangers in Indonesia have been overstated, does she mean by her own ministers? Then on the other hand the governments of western countries are advising their nationals to steer clear of Southeast Asia, which understandably has not been well received on this side of the world.

I just wonder why the state minister for tourism does not attach the report from the minister of defense to his argument when trying to convince the outside world that Indonesia is a safe place to visit. Confusing, I think so.

DAVID WALLIS

Medan, North Sumatra