July 27 riots
July 27 riots
I am certain that most of us regret the black Saturday July 27
riots during which emotions got out of hand and innocent people
became victims.
We have many noble principles and fundamentals, which are the
basis of our political life and conduct, like Pancasila and the
1945 Constitution. All organizations and political parties have
to accept Pancasila as the basis for their political activities
and all citizens have to live according to the 1945 Constitution.
According to The Jakarta Post of Aug. 8, the President called
on all ministers to maintain our struggle within the system of
the state ideology Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.
On Feb. 6, 1974, the President told all governors that our
democracy is a Pancasila democracy, and that there is an
honorable place for the right to forward one's opinion and the
right to have a different opinion. But it should not be forgotten
that there should also be an honorable place for responsibility.
During the University of Indonesia's 25th anniversary on Feb.
15, 1975, the President said that it was important to develop
freedom of opinion, because freedom is essential in creating
creativity. To safeguard our national development, freedom,
creativity and criticism are necessary.
The government has managed to supply ample food, clothing and
housing and is still doing its best to improve the overall
situation. For that, it needs the cooperation of all: civilians,
the military, political party members, mass organizations and
whatnot.
Think big and discard petty differences, especially personal
ambitions. Trying to fulfill personal ambitions and using the
innocent masses for support will only bring disaster.
More dangerously, this will become fertile ground for
communist-based groups to sow discontent and give the hostile
groups the chance and opportunity to fish in muddy waters. The
history of 1965 has taught us a lesson and we have paid dearly
for that. We should remember this: Do not give history the chance
to repeat itself.
What we must do now is not try to find out who is to blame,
but find a way to solve this problem for the sake of the nation.
SOEGIH ARTO
South Jakarta