On self-control

In the context of the current monetary crisis that has led to a national economic crisis, many informal leaders have asked the people to exercise self-control and patience. They have also appealed to the people not to be incited into rioting.

In my opinion the appeal has its benefits because riots are only advantageous for thieves, hoodlums and anarchists. However, the appeal should also be directed to the authorities, their children in business, tycoons and distributors who hoard basic foods.

Many children of government officials collude with big businessmen. They submit an informal note from their parents and exercise pressure on bank directors to approve their credit application for fantastic amounts of money. Later, they deviate from their core business and incur ever increasing expenses. They neglect bank interest payments. In general they cannot curb their greed in business, they want to have it all and do anything to increase profits.

It is not just or fair to blame the present crisis solely on traders. Those in authority should also respond to the appeal for self-control. One should not outgrow one's usefulness in a position of authority, although there is no regulation in the constitution prohibiting it, because social laws will always apply, i.e. everything will reach its saturation point. Just look at the signals: riots everywhere, a high frequency of corrupt practices, decreasing GNP and skyrocketing prices of staple foods, etc. If they cannot read these warning signals, they should mix with the people on public transportation without airconditioning or the use of escorts, drink coffee in roadside stalls engaging in conversation with pedicab drivers and little traders, do their own shopping at traditional markets and not send their maidservants, etc.. The most important thing is to open their hearts and their minds.

DIDI M. WIRATMAKUSUMAH

Sukabumi, West Java