Give the govt a chance

I would like to strongly encourage all Indonesian people, particularly those from the professional communities, to stop any movements, criticism and demonstrations against the government. Let us all give it a fair chance. It has been barely two months since the new government was formed and people are already asking too much!

The first of my two questions: When are we going to concentrate and focus on improving our lives if we are too busy screaming on the streets?

And, second, do they, the activists, demonstrators, and critics, actually have achievable, concrete, clear-cut and realistic solutions for whatever they're demanding?

I am sick of the constant chaos, the endless traffic jams on main roads and the calls for referendum caused by demonstrators, activist movements, and critics. Aceh, in particular, should not be given the option of referendum. Let me be the first to remind President Abdurrahman Wahid that the referendum for East Timor was one of the biggest failures of the past government and one of the reasons why Habibie did not get reelected. Do not make the same mistake. Aceh belongs to us, to Indonesia, and if any of the Acehnese no longer wishes to be Indonesian, then here's my solution -- ask them to leave the country.

I plead once again for all of us to go back to the work force and focus on improving our economy in making everybody's life better in the future.

MEIRINI SUCAHYO

Jakarta