No need for demonstrations

No need for demonstrations

From Surabaya Post

There have been demonstrations in Surabaya and other cities
related to the current monetary crisis. I appeal to fellow
students to take direct action against the crisis. We may be one
of the causes of the catastrophe,

Ramadhan is a good month for introspection. We may be late in
assessing the situation but never mind. We must now go into
action. Following are steps to ease the monetary crisis.

First, have fewer meals at foreign franchises. It is even
better not to eat there. We should now concentrate on traditional
food or local franchises. Fast food franchise businesses target
young people, who feel obliged to go there to show their new life
style.

Every year at least Rp 450 billion in foreign exchange
disappears in fees to franchisers and in importing raw materials.

Second, reduce or avoid buying foreign brand name products.
The target of these products is again young people.

Third, instead of demonstrations, students should hold forums
for discussions with their teachers, having the objective to
increase the use of traditional and national products. Students
should become the catalysts in technology development and
innovation.

If South Koreans and Malaysians can take concrete steps to
overcome their economic disaster by selling dollars and gold, and
by showing their love for their national products, where is the
problem for our students to follow in their steps? We can
continue in the same way after the crisis is over.

SYAIFUL IRWAN

Address known to the editor