Revolution or

Revolution or
realization

The cry of revolution came from Zainal Caryanto in The Jakarta
Post, a feeling that no doubt many Indonesians share. His points
made were valid, his criteria for such drastic action were in the
main correct, but advertising ones intention to promote anarchy
is unwise and potentially dangerous.

Zainal on the other hand may well be a brave and patriotic
Indonesian, one that truly cares for his country and the people.
Frustration, which nowadays has been replaced by total
disillusionment, will eventually lead people into anarchy that is
the normal route. It is then a case of deciding what's best to do
in such a hopeless situation.

One should never forget that the path to any success depends
on a strong and well thought out strategy. Then you must consider
whether others will support that strategy with the same passion
and belief. None of this can happen over night, and getting
people on board is not as easy as it sounds.

Fear and retribution are but two of the challenges that the
status quo will use to discourage any opposition to their
dominance. Another, will be to infiltrate such a rebellious
organization with the sole aim of spying on the proceedings, such
that whatever you plan will be pre-empted and diluted.

Divide and rule tactics will split your support like it did to
the students during the latter part of 1998 and early 1999. The
reform movement took a lot shorter time to be buried then it did
to be hatched. If it is democracy that you intend to support,
then the first thing to consider is how you can effect change by
using democracy as your guiding light. Anarchy, or an all out
revolution, so often appears to be the only viable solution to
corrupt and heartless governments, but history does not lend
itself too favorably to this drastic venture.

I would suggest with respect, that Zainal considers the
following as a possible alternative to revolution. A) Register an
organization that incorporates students, intellectuals,
reformists and anyone who truly believes in this better way of
life. B) Seriously consider the important need for funds and
sponsorship. C) Hold regular and coordinated meetings that
clearly focus on a simple and set agenda.
D) From such meetings a clear leader will hopefully emerge. E)
Set a time table for events and progress and keep to it. F) Set
objectives that are not only desirable, but are also achievable
and therefore realistic.

DAVID WALLIS
Medan, North Sumatra