Divide and rule

Divide and rule

We have all witnessed that the New Order government has
succeeded in ousting Megawati Soekarnoputri, allowing her rivals
to hold the Medan Congress and elect a new "apple polisher",
Soerjadi.

Our government seems to be identical to the Dutch
colonialists, applying the time-honored tactic of divide and rule
in a spirit of fear and cowardice to any creative movement trying
to oppose or improve the government.

It is sad the government does not realize that only people
like Megawati, Gus Dur, Sri Bintang, and Muchtar Pakpahan, or
organizations like the PDI, HKBP, and the NU can create respect
for this country and put it in its rightful place among countries
in the world. But the New Order government cannot be bothered
with such critical and vocal democrats. With its power and money,
not with its brain and wisdom, will the New Order government
destroy them.

Look at what happens to critical organizations like the NU,
and others. The government, seemingly, infiltrates them and the
result is a problem that will never be solved. We all know that.

We must open our minds and unite to build this country and
struggle against tyranny.

Let us create a democracy for our children.

AMSON W. SIMBOLON

Pontianak, West Kalimantan