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.

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