Premature statements

Premature statements

The Indonesian people are now facing a very important event:
the general election. This will affect the life of the entire
nation.

We are all obliged to ensure that this democratic event will
take place peacefully through law and order. Therefore it is
important that everybody and every organization restrain itself
and observe the rules we have agreed to abide by.

Too many unnecessary statements, that have been aired lately,
will only create unrest as they will invite reactions from groups
or people with different opinions. The rule of the game
determines how and when to make statements, especially when it
comes to nominating future leaders.

Certain groups have even prematurely announced their choice
for the next president. Organizations should follow the example
set by Golkar, who until now keeps quiet on the subject.
Similarly, several names have prematurely and unnecessarily been
mentioned about who will be the next vice president, which can
also create trouble and controversy. People should restrain
themselves and wait until the time comes for that matter.

Lately a political party expressed its opinion that the
minister of education and culture and the minister of religious
affairs should come from political parties. Again, I wonder why
this should be so.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta