Reform starts with oneself

Reform starts with oneself

From Pikiran Rakyat

For months, students and lecturers have voiced demands for
reform at many universities. The ramifications are heard
throughout Indonesia and even the entire world.

Demands comprise economic, political and legal reforms, and
also a change in the national leadership.

Now, Soeharto has resigned as president, a noble attitude of a
superior statesman in the country's interest. We will always
remember and appreciate his great achievements. Although his
resignation was precipitated by the uncertain economic situation
and the demand for total reform, we should not forget that reform
starts from within ourselves, our families, immediate community
circles and all elements of the nation.

If we continuously reform ourselves from bad to good morals,
peace will be created automatically and unity will be maintained
without other people reminding and motivating us.

Tragic events in Medan, Jakarta, Surakarta and other places
are still fresh in our memory. They occurred due to degenerated
morals and a loss of spiritual balance, allowing evildoers to
give free rein to their yearnings and denying religion, law and
ethics.

This disrupts established order. As a nation with dignity, we
should not lose our identity. The present situation is not our
will. We must exert patience and wisdom. We pray that things will
soon improve.

As an ordinary citizen who is part of this nation and who also
loves reform, I appeal to students and reform leaders not to go
onto the streets. This would constitute potential danger because
the situation could be used by irresponsible people.

Who is responsible for the riots and all the losses? Morally,
we all may be.

MAMAN RH

Garut, West Java