Indonesians' discipline

Indonesians' discipline

Can Indonesians hold orderly street demonstrations? The answer is yes. That is what happened on Sunday when about one million people marched to protest against U.S. aggression against Iraq. It was labeled as the biggest street demonstration ever in the history of the Republic.

What was amazing was that women felt safe enough to bring their babies and children along to participate.

Demonstrations, part of democracy, is a legal form of expressing opinions. But, in Indonesia, demonstrations have meant chaos, anarchy and vandalism. Demonstrations have also meant death.

Therefore, demonstrations have always been terrible until the Justice Party (PK) showed us how to hold street demonstrations, involving a large number of people, in a proper manner. PK has initiated several street protests and all have been orderly. The point is that Indonesian people can be disciplined and well behaved.

Indonesians living in Singapore also abide by local laws, which prohibit people from littering, smoking and spitting in public places.

But, as soon as they return to Indonesia, they change drastically. Why? The answer is that laws are respected and enforced in Singapore. The other factor is leadership. A community with leaders with vision and discipline will produce people who respect the law.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta