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