Maintaining security

Maintaining security

From Pelita

One newspaper recently carried a news report about an agreement between religion-based mass organizations in Surabaya to work together in maintaining security and driving away all kinds of provocation which may trigger a riot.

We have also learned from the media that Muslims from all over Central Java have urged the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) to take firm action against rioters and provocateurs trying to disrupt security.

I agree with the agreement made in Surabaya because it shows our concern in maintaining security. Besides, in my opinion, security problems are not solely the responsibility of security apparatuses (TNI and Polri) but are the responsibility of all community members. It is my hope, however, that members of the community will not take the law into their own hands. Everything must be consulted with the TNI and Polri. In this way uncalled for consequences will be avoided. It must be remembered that Indonesia is a law-based state. It means that the law must be upheld and enforced.

It is also my hope that rumors that riots related to ethnicity and religion will spread to other regions will remain only rumors. Nevertheless, all community members must always be vigilant over the possibility that trouble will spread. They must also be able to control their emotions so as not to be influenced by misleading rumors to do things that may disrupt national unity and integrity. Hopefully the riots breaking out in a number of regions across the country will be put down. May the Indonesian nation and state be able to overcome all problems, particularly the multidimensional crisis.

DUDUNG SUPANGKAT

Jakarta