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