Humane security

It seems almost a paradox that amid rapid social transformation the human need to feel secure is more pronounced.

A need for greater stability and security, which is based more on the awareness of the people than on deterrents like sanctions or physical punishment is becoming imperative.

And this need is apparent all over the world now that ethnic or communal conflicts within a nation are taking the place of conflicts between nations.

This calls for a strengthening of the roots, networking and pillars of stability in the face of the dynamic character of a nation on the move.

In daily life it means the need for the creation of a more responsible public, a more participative people. It also means that a conducive social climate must be provided to make it possible for the people to participate directly in securing their own communities and their nation.

Indications that people are becoming aware that they have this need are beginning to be apparent in Indonesia. A critical point is nearing as the people come to understand that economic deregulation will not be effective unless it is accompanied by political deregulation.

-- Kompas ,Jakarta