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