On student brawls

The article by Mr. Jack West in "Your Letters" of The Jakarta Post, Oct. 10, caught my attention. I thought: "At least there is an expatriate who has a genuine interest in the problems of this city." With their hundreds of years of experience in urban problems they might offer a grandiose plan to solve this problem.

But I became disappointed. He does not know anything about the cause and the solution of the student brawls. His only advice for foreigners, since, according to him, these people are especially keen on throwing rocks at foreigners, is to avoid groups of youngsters waiting for the bus, especially the rock throwing ones and to let to the natives solve their own problems.

Better advice would be to advise foreigners to stay in their compounds and ride in bullet (rock-) proof cars driven by U.S. marine personnel, when going outside. A remarkable article indeed worth the attention of our city leaders.

SUMARSONO SASTROWARDOYO

Jakarta