Plight of the people

Plight of the people

From Pikiran Rakyat

I was deeply concerned when I learned of the strike by public
transportation drivers on June 15, 2001. I suspect there are
parties deliberately making use of these drivers to make this
already messy society all the messier. This is always likely in
view of the upcoming special session of the People's Consultative
Assembly on Aug. 1.

We should all be able to control ourselves in response to
various events now evolving before us. As usual, it is the common
people who are the victims. Most of them know nothing about state
affairs but invariably become the victims of the political elite.

It is not hard to imagine the material losses inflicted by the
strike organized by these drivers. Some protesters may lose their
lives or be wounded if the strike turns violent.

It is a pity that violence and brutality are still popular
with protesters. Ironically, some members of the security
apparatuses have given a bad example when dealing with rioters.

Let's hope that our political elite will soon realize the
impact of their deeds on the ordinary people.

AGUNG NUGROHO

Surabaya