Lessons from Buleleng

Lessons from Buleleng

Two people were killed in Buleleng subdistrict, in the north of Bali following a bloody clash between supporters of the Bali chapters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI- Perjuangan) and Golkar Party.

Other people were injured and a number of cars were set ablaze during the incident, which occurred on the eve of the commemoration of Youth Pledge Day on Oct. 28.

Young Indonesian intellectuals from different faiths, tribes and languages vowed on Oct 28, 1928 to have one country, one nation and one language.

Surprised leaders of the two political parties in Jakarta have expressed regret over the conflict, saying they had no grudge against each other.

The Buleleng clash highlights once again the tendency for many of this nation's people to use violence, rather than dialog, to address problems.

The clash could be seen as a warning that there is a problem among political parties which needs to be solved, otherwise more widespread conflicts will occur during the 2004 general election campaign.

It is time for the people to take the example set by those visionary Indonesians in 1928, when they were able to settle their conflicts peacefully.

What would have happened if people from different backgrounds at that time used violence against each other to settle their problems?

In general, Indonesia's young pioneers in 1928 were not wealthy but were rich in mission and vision.

Such people are desperately needed if this country hopes to progress in the future.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta