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 Frustration, which nowadays has been replaced by total disillusionment, will eventually lead people into anarchy that is the normal route.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