Rallying popular support

Rallying popular support

Half a century ago, the city of Surabaya was the scene of a heroic battle. With whatever weapons that were available, the people assisted the Armed Forces in confronting the British and Allied forces, who possessed much more sophisticated arms.

We can imagine what would have become of our country if the people had not been willing to fight and to sacrifice much for their country. Without the people's assistance and efforts, this country would have found it difficult to overcome the might of the colonial power, who would have easily been able to force their will upon us.

At present, the problems this country are facing have not become any lighter. Indeed, they are even bigger as the strength of world capitalism is now ensconced everywhere and cannot be evaded but must be faced. Riding on the issues of globalization and trade liberalization, the forces of capitalism keep knocking on our door, aiming to take advantage of our resources and our market by more refined and more sophisticated ways.

In facing this new reality, our country is often unable to repel those outside forces and is forced to compromise. It is a pity that, under such circumstances, some people in our country are misusing their authority to facilitate this process of novel colonialism, while looking after their own interests more than after those of the people. This, of course, makes it difficult to obtain the people's assistance.

For this reason, efforts must be made to establish a climate in which the state can constantly obtain the people's support, which can be done by putting the interests of the people at the highest place.

-- Surabaya Post