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