Disparities trigger riots

Disparities trigger riots

Disparity has been raised as one cause of the recent riots.
This opinion was aired by scholars at a one-day seminar held by
the Center for Information and Development Studies. The scholars,
Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono and Arbi Sanit, deserve the attention of
the authorities and the core of the problem should be studied.

I agree completely with the scholars because their statement
is backed by experience and knowledge. We should also not neglect
Prof. Dadang Hawari's comment. He said that religious, ethnic and
racial disputes could easily explode in a stressful society.

I am happy that the government decided to set up riot alert
centers throughout the country. I hope the increased number of
organizations will serve to improve the situation and will not
become another way of spending extra money for the people.

I think if we are true upholders of the Pancasila ideology,
disturbances would not occur. Pancasila teaches us to be tolerant
and to solve problems through negotiations instead of violent
actions. If violence is considered the best way to solve
problems, the armed forces would always win temporarily.

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