Let it be a lesson to us

Let it be a lesson to us

From Neraca

We have to admit that the recent riot which started in Situbondo, followed by unrest in Tasikmalaya, Senggau Ledo (West Kalimantan), Tanah Abang and Rangkasdengklok are, in fact, lessons for us and especially for the government.

The Tanah Abang incident, for instance, occurred because security people overacted when they were doing their job. While on the other hand, long-time traders refused to tolerate this kind of treatment. This is the reason why the incident happened.

I am very concerned with the present situation. Especially since an important democratic event is to take place in a few months. We should follow public development carefully.

And, of course, to quote the authorities, we should not get carried away by issues of separatism or issues that are clearly a threat to the nation's unity.

I am of the opinion that the riots erupted because of, among other things, the authorities attitude, which lacked wisdom in humane matters. They are often too harsh in their treatment, or, when they have to solve problems.

Let us turn to ourselves and draw a lesson from these occurrences.

We hope that these incidents do not occur again in future. Let it not happen in the holy month of Ramadhan. We hope that people will forgive one another.

Name and address

known to the editor