Doomsday near?

What can be done and who can ease the pain of the victims of the recent riots?

I believe that the local government should bear responsibility for the losses suffered by the local residents (Indonesians of Chinese descent as well as Chinese residents) because the government is responsible for law and order including the safety of all citizens.

Although losses of lives and losses of women's dignity can hardly be compensated for, material losses like houses and cars burned and properties looted, are but a few examples of what the government can and I believe should compensate for.

By doing so, we would be giving them evidence that they are being taken care of and hope that not only those who left the country out of fear will come back but will also bring back with them the foreign currencies sent abroad.

This would also show the world that our government, although burdened with a very difficult economy, is still trying to uphold law and order.

Of course it should be losses that can be documented, and at reasonable prices.

It would be an additional burden for the government but it would be an investment for a quick recovery of our political and economic problems. Moreover, compensation could be paid in installments if necessary.

The rebuilding of houses could be done by the city administration creating very needed jobs and obliterating the traumatic sights.

It is true that the trauma will not be that easy to overcome but nevertheless the effort would heal a lot of wounds.

Let us remember that most victims of the riots are Indonesians as well.

Everyone makes mistakes but we have to pay for our mistakes. It takes courage to admit one's wrongs, but it takes more courage to rectify those wrongs.

It is better to pay here on Earth for our wrongs than in the hereafter.

We have to be strong and admit that what happened was wrong. It was wrong according to our religions, morals and law and our Pancasila philosophy.

May God Almighty guide us and save our ship in this stormy sea.

Or could the end of time be near?

EDWARD ABRAHAM

Jakarta