Demonstrations and openness

From Editor

Police have arrested the students who demonstrated at the office of the Supreme Advisory Council to protest the involvement of the head of the council in the recent credit fraud. Although all the students have been released, I still deplore that such an incident was allowed to occur in this new era of openness.

Such demonstrations which display awareness of the social and political problems besetting this country should be permitted if the government wishes to maintain its commitment to greater openness and democracy.

The reason for the ban was to prevent incidents such as the one led by students when they succeeded in their protest to denounce the state sponsored lottery. But such thinking is unacceptable.

Isn't it right to make demonstrations legal? Of course as long as it is done in an orderly fashion.

If the students are frustrated because their aspirations are not being met, it is easy for them to hold religious lectures which will be attended by a great number of followers in some strategic places, such as Tanjung Priok.

President Soeharto himself underscored the government's commitment to investigating and concluding the case once and for all, and this was fully supported by the Attorney General.

In line with the good will of President Soeharto, it is time for the Commander of the Armed Forces, the Jakarta Military Commander and his corps to grant the students greater freedom of speech, such as being able to express their opinions, and ask that officials found guilty of criminal activity be held accountable.

H. NURZETI

Jakarta