On student brawls

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