Ending the culture of violence

The government and the public are both contributing to the continuation of violence. Neither the state nor the people have ever been serious in their intent to play according to the rules of the game. The phrase "law enforcement" is nothing more than rhetoric.

Violence is also on the rise due to the disappearance of the word "sorry". A person unconsciously bumping into another, or staring at someone, can lead to rioting. Issues of race, religion, ethnicity or group are then brought into the argument, leading to endless bloodshed, as is happening in Maluku.

We, therefore, support any effort that is made to end violence. Non-violence should be adopted as an ideology by any nation that calls itself civilized. Violence cannot be fought with violence. Bringing an end to violence must be done through a process of instilling awareness. The fruits of the effort cannot be expected to come immediately. Time and patience are needed.

Handing out flowers to passers by is one way of expressing sympathy, but awakening awareness among the public that there is really nothing that needs to be won by violence is more important. There are other ways -- ways that are more elegant and more civilized.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta