Islamic values

In the time I have spent in Indonesia, I have heard a lot about Western values conflicting with traditional Asian values. Many Asian countries, not just Indonesia, have been too quick to accept anything from the West without regard to its social consequences. This includes beer, rock music, a free Western lifestyle, such as freedom without responsibility and many other things that can destroy the morals of youth.

The social problems facing many Western countries today are an example of the potential consequences if Western values are accepted too readily. One solution to this has been presented as Asian values. This is a good start, but I would like to offer a suggestion.

Indonesia already has the largest Moslem population in the world. Allah has already given Moslems a complete and total way of life whose values are universal. Why not give Islamic values a try?

KEVIN J. DUNPHY

Bandung, West Java