Doomsday near?

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