Jakarta must become tolerant again

Jakarta must become tolerant again

Jakarta celebrated its 476th anniversary on June 22. The history dated back to the reign of Pangeran Jayakarta which converted a small harbor into a residential area.

In its historical journey, Jakarta has experienced various happenings which color the characteristics of its residents.

Since the beginning, Jakarta has been a place of great diversity, despite the oppression of the Dutch colonials. There was good harmony among groups. The history is very relevant today just to remind us that the pluralism in the capital city was established since centuries ago and that social order and harmony was achieved through good law enforcement.

That is still a prerequisite for Jakarta to again become one of the great metropolises of the world.

The governor may change, but Jakarta residents must work hard to maintain pluralism.

Take a look at New York City, which is loved by all its residents. When terror hit New York on Sept. 11 all layers of society joined hands to help each other to revive their city, regardless of their race, religion or social background.

We must revive the sense of togetherness in this reform era. For whatever reasons we are all residents of Jakarta. Everybody must do something for the city based on his own ability.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta