Demonstrators neglect ethics

Demonstrators neglect ethics

From Media Indonesia

It was an unexpected sight to see hundreds of Acehnese
students and community members in Jakarta going to the
legislative building. It saddened us.

While they demanded a referendum for Aceh, the younger ones
among them showed arrogance in making pledges and trying to
behave like democrats. The action was followed by throwing water
bottles at House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung.

The question arose of whether that was the behavior induced by
the reform movement toward democracy. I do not think so. True
democracy actually teaches how to launch a demonstration and how
to file demands.

Whatever the result of a demand, demonstrators should be able
to control their emotions and mood to prevent anarchical
behavior. Throwing water bottles, taking a goat to the respected
building, whatever the reason, are immoral acts. I recommend that
we strive to understand democracy in greater depth. Reform does
not mean arbitrary behavior. The demand for a referendum in Aceh
cannot be decided by a figure like Akbar Tandjung. He is a small
element of an institution called the House of Representatives.

It was not logical that the demonstrators said they acted on
behalf of the Acehnese people. They should not soil the name of
virtuous Acehnese students by acting in an emotional manner.

HASRIL HAMID

Bekasi, West Java