Cooling down the political temperature

Are we turning into a nation of looters, rapists, murderers and arsonists, or are we being punished by God for our cowardly acts in rectifying the decades-old abuse of power?

Riots have been breaking out all across this vast archipelago, and always for trivial reasons. Lately, riots have been erupting for what appears to be ethnic, racial, religious and inter-group sensitivity.

The economic downturn has certainly contributed to the feverish behavior of the people. For those who are suddenly cut off from their means of livelihood, a slight provocation is enough to kindle violent acts.

We, of course, cannot let these people continue their rash and dangerous behavior, because their drastic actions could have an immense impact on the country's economic recovery. The general public, especially those on the lowest rungs of society who are prone to provocations, needs to be calmed down by government and religious leaders.

And all members of the society should endeavor not to react so easily to provocations.

-- Republika, Jakarta