Education in propriety

Bad luck befell Surabaya legislator Andy Soedirman. In his capacity as a member of the city's legislative council, he had charged that Surabaya's mayor had, without approval from the local legislative council, dispensed of a piece of land which was previously the property of a local villager.

His remarks offended a number of the mayor's supporters who then went to the legislative council and staged a protest. They also went to the legislator's house and scribbled on walls and displayed posters, causing Andy Soedirman to feel victimized.

How can we teach and instill good conduct and civility in people? And in specific circles, including those in power? Cases that go too far, such as this one in Surabaya, should perhaps get special attention and be dealt with in accordance to the law. The case violates the most elementary principles of civil social behavior.

Why is democracy a conception whose principles include the supervision of and accountability from those who hold power? Because power holders are no angels but ordinary people who are prone to make mistakes. And, so that they do not fall into the trap of the dynamics of power and become arrogant and inclined to force their views on others.

-- Kompas, Jakarta