Give the young hope

Give the young hope

From Rakyat Indonesia

I have always dreamed of seeing a peaceful face on Indonesia, reflecting prosperity and not tainted by conflicts and clashes.

I am disappointed with the present face of Indonesia. My friends and I put at stake our own lives to set the reform movement rolling. We are young people wishing to see this country change for the better. We have had too much suffering and have seen too many examples of self-centeredness.

Media reports abound with stories of opportunists trying to whitewash their crimes and their link with the past regime. On the other hand, the majority of people lead an increasingly difficult life.

A friend of mine is a jobless university graduate. He is not alone. There are thousands like him nationwide. Politicians should think about how to solve this unemployment problem rather than contending for power.

Politicians and the nation's leaders must give attention to the problems now hitting the country. Riots and clashes break out because these problems are never properly solved. Young people who cannot channel their bright ideas may get frustrated and turn to drinking and drug abuse. Please, do not let the young lose hope and their future.

As frustration and helplessness run deep across the country, clashes occur everywhere and innocent people have fallen victims. As politicians mobilized their masses in their run for power, ordinary people followed suit and turned this country into an arena for mutual butchering.

I really do not know to whom I can tell my dream of a peaceful Indonesia.

HERY SISWANTO

Jakarta