Freedom fails

When any ministry of religious affairs takes it upon itself to control the activities of business and the economy, and interferes in the normal secular routines of all the citizens of a democratic nation, then the people must take note.

The discriminatory edict to close down discos during Ramadhan breaks a number of laws and regulations. It goes completely against the concept of Pancasila. Literally, tens of thousands of Indonesian citizens will be unemployed for five weeks. The economy will be further strangled for a large percentage of the year.

The natural human rights of the citizenry and diminishing numbers of foreigners are being stomped on. The ministry should be legally, financially and ethically responsible for the suffering that is going to force upon the country. It could also be considered cruel and inhumane.

A ruling such as this may be acceptable in small towns and isolated communities, but to issue a decree in major capitals goes beyond the pale of justice and common sense. It is not the sign of a mature government. The people have the right to make their own decisions concerning their lives and livelihood. It's called human rights.

When a nation is controlled and restricted in this manner then progress and modernization is stymied and that nation must accept the fact that it will remain a Third World nation. Indonesia, at present, has enough trouble gaining interest and investment from outside nations. What message is being sent to them now?

For the last two years the governor of Jakarta has hypocritically kowtowed to the terror tactics of a violent fanatic faction, instead of ensuring the security and welfare of the greater population.

BRIEN D.

Jakarta