Reinstate govt authority
Reinstate govt authority
From Media Indonesia
Acts of arbitrary crime and vandalism committed individually or in groups are getting more violent by the day. They are happening in Jakarta and all over the country. People now have the courage to resist, denigrate and even threaten the government.
Safety and public order are increasingly disrupted. The international community's trust, the country's economic development and the nation's cultural values have experienced a tremendous decline. Apparently the government is helpless in facing the problems. Its authority seems to have vanished. It is no longer respected and obeyed by the people.
I think it is high time for the government to take steps to normalize the situation. Only by reinstating its authority -- meaning that it must enforce the law -- can the government effectuate normalization. To reinstate its authority the government needs to do more than make appeals. There should be firm sanctions to keep the people at bay.
The government must have the courage to take immediate steps against separatist groups who are disrupting the cohesion and unity of the Indonesian state. People should not allow the red and white flag to fall in tatters onto Indonesian soil. People should be aware that since 1945 we have been willing to die to defend the red and white flag. For the sake of the state and the nation, what is wrong if a military emergency situation is declared in Aceh and Maluku?
Firm and stern measures must be taken against rioters and criminals who disturb safety and public order. What is wrong if, for example, Jakarta, which is always the home of riots and crimes, is subject to a pilot project of a civilian emergency situation?
Both the government apparatus and the community as a whole must help to uphold the government's authority. The community must respect the government. The community must respect and obey the law. The community must safeguard the indigenous culture of Indonesia as a polite and civilized nation. The expression of different opinions is not done by acting disrespectfully toward the government.
People should love and defend the country.
R.H.A. SALEH
Jakarta