Lady, please refrain yourself!

On Nov. 16 evening, state-owned TVRI and the other TV stations aired a talk show featuring three gentlemen and two ladies that TVRI considered societal figures. I have never been so frustrated and disgusted after listening to most of what was discussed during this talk show. This was especially so when the argument turned to the subject of student demonstrations versus the Armed Forces (ABRI) action in handling the matter. Most speakers in this talk show claimed that the students were financed and that student demonstrations had become fashionable.

My intention in commenting on this is to show that my opinion differs from theirs, since I believe that the student movement is genuinely for democracy and for the future survival of our nation. In this context I would like to point out that United States Vice President Al Gore's statement quoted in The Herald Tribune on Nov. 17, in which I am in full agreement, i.e.: "History taught us that freedom -- economic, political, and religious -- unlocks a higher fraction of human potential than any other way of organizing society."

Furthermore he added: "People will accept sacrifice in a democracy, not only because they have a role in choosing it, but because they are likely to benefit from it. Democracies have done better in coping with economic crisis than nations where freedom is suppressed."

My other reaction is especially addressed to one of the talk show participants, Mrs. Murdaya, who represents one of the minority faiths in Indonesia (note: some consider Buddhism is not a religion). Mrs. Murdaya said during the show that the students were definitely financed by a certain vested interest group and that she felt sorry for ABRI which had been strongly criticized by society for its brutality.

Mrs. Murdaya, said she spoke as a mother and therefore well- understood the young people's emotions and consequently how the students could be easily manipulated.

Mrs. Murdaya has the right to voice her opinion, but I would like to remind her that during former president Soeharto's governance, her husband's business would have been considered by many as coming through cronyism with the old regime.

May I suggest to her to refrain from giving an unpopular political opinion of what I personally consider opportunistic in nature at this very fragile moment in the life of our nation.

WATI ABDULGANI

Jakarta