Derogatory remarks

Derogatory remarks

"Indonesians do not have the ethics, attitude nor the sensitivity to go nuclear...." Reading this letter from Mrs. Conny Gafar, On nuclear plant (Feb. 26, 1996), I wondered whether I was dreaming I was reading a 100-year-old newspaper from colonial times.

Though she has a sound argument against going nuclear, her remarks are not palatable. Having the Bhopal tragedy fresh in my mind, I too cannot see nuclear power as an option for the time being. However, a viewpoint should promote a better perspective of an issue, and criticism or self-criticism should aim at improvement.

A developing country with agrarian background and with massive plans for industrialization will normally have some businesspeople, politicians and officials that compromise ethics. That doesn't mean that every person in the country is unethical. I have met many officers who are sincere and honest, who extend a helping hand and deserve respect. I find Gafar's remarks objectionable and offending.

D. PRABHAKAR

Jakarta