Education in propriety

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