Polite reform

The dawn of the reform era has brought a glimmer of hope that things will get better. The reality, however, is not as beautiful.

Like everything else, a reform drive also has its pluses and minuses. Unfortunately, a careful assessment of our reform drive shows that the pluses are less than the minuses. Why? The reform movement has gone too far: the economic situation is worsening, the political climate is uncertain and our socio-cultural life is moving further away from Eastern norms. The reform drive has brought more democracy and respect for human rights, although violations their violations still occur.

As an Indonesian citizen, I feel greatly concerned over the present condition. Pictures of the President and the Vice President, both figures representing national leadership, have been stamped upon by protesters claiming to be the most reformist of all. Whoever they are, the President and the Vice President have been elected for these posts through a legitimate system. Therefore, they must be respected as state officials and state symbols.

In this context, I give my wholehearted support to the firm action of the security apparatuses to apprehend and detain anybody insulting and damaging the image of state symbols.

I support and agree with the total reform drive that students are calling for, but please, don't abandon Eastern cultural ethics/norms in practicing democracy nor our nationalism. Conditions in our country are now very bad. What else can we expect from it?

HAENDI JATNIKA

Bogor, West Java