Provocateurs are still lurking

Provocateurs are still lurking

From Pelita

Our fellow citizens in refugee camps are still overshadowed by suffering, fearing that fresh riots, which may inflict material losses and claim the lives of family members, may again break out. More and more people have become victims -- and the number keeps increasing in Ambon, Maluku and Halmahera. Nobody knows when these dark days will end. Few care any more about their fate or condition.

It is true that the government has done its best to end the ravaging conflicts, which have broken out because of sentiments based on ethnic and religious aspects. The government has shown its patience and tried to fulfill the demands set by local communities. Various dialog and security approaches have also been resorted to. Unfortunately, the conflicts have not been fully settled yet. Despite all the government's efforts, nobody can be sure that there will be no more fresh conflicts.

In view of the situation referred to earlier, all citizens must always be on the alert over the danger that is still lurking, which is continuously posing a threat to locals. Some people will not just stop here. They do not want to see the return of peace, calm and security to the Land of Lorosae. These people -- the provocateurs -- simply ignore the situation which is achieved in a particular place. They are very good at cashing in on any situation, especially at present, when conflicts and friction involving the political and military elite have become heated. This situation is just like waving fresh meat before the wide-open jaws of a lion. Provocateurs will never show themselves but people are aware of their presence. Today, while the country is on the brink of a chaotic situation, they are happily turning the facts upside down. It is now time that the government and relevant government administrations hunt down these provocateurs, no matter where they are. The laws and legislation must be upheld. Relevant government agencies and institutions must quickly take action to arrest them and should not wait for any instruction from the public, the people's representatives or the government.

As a good citizen, I fully support the government in its efforts to nab provocateurs and make their names public.

SUPRI UJIANTO

Jakarta