Clarifying and also confusing

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