Mysterious 'certain party'

Ironically, one could say that of all the more than 100 newly founded parties, the so-called "certain party" seems to be the one which is most frequently mentioned and therefore the best known. But -- strangely enough -- in spite of its popularity nobody is willing to provide us with detailed information about this party, for example about its symbol, its followers, let alone its leaders.

On the other hand, it seems that quite a number of high- ranking politicians as well as military and police officers know this "certain party" very well but prefer to keep silent about its background.

I recall the riots which occurred all over the country during the past months (mostly triggered by rumors rather than by facts) in which the mob gave a perfect performance in destroying, burning and looting, and on some occasions even in killing.

I also recall Black Friday, when clashes between student demonstrators and security forces left 12 people dead. I recall several other events which mostly ended in violence, like labor strikes, land conflicts and quarrels about the distribution of subsidized rice. And finally I recall the horrible, still unsolved, ninja murders in East Java.

In all the above mentioned cases the "certain party" was named as being responsible. From what I understand, the authorities cannot (or are not willing to) give any explanation to the public concerning this mysterious "certain party" (alias certain group or third party). Therefore I put my question to the serious media: who is this irresponsible party which has showered this most beautiful country with so much misery? Haven't the readers of dailies and weeklies a right to be fully informed, especially since freedom of expression is -- at last -- granted by law?

How easily can people become suspicious and confused and thus come to wrong conclusions or go in the wrong direction if they are left on their own with nebulous news.

MRS. HILDE MAY

Jakarta