Rioting, an expectation
Rioting, an expectation
From Republika
Indonesia has been jolted frequently by rioting since 1996. In 1997, riots occurred with intensified frequency and peaked in 1998. While in 1996 riots were still local in nature, in 1998 they reached a national scale.
These riots have been attributable to the fight for power among Indonesia's political elite, which has even affected people in the lower rungs of the social ladder. To pursue their political interests, certain quarters have orchestrated these riots by paying certain groups to perpetrate riots and disorder and terrorize communities.
So far, 1999 has witnessed many incidents of rioting here; following the heating up of the political climate in the run-up to a general election, the People's Consultative Assembly Special Session and the presidential election. Riots have broken out in Karawang, Cirebon, Ambon and now Sambas, West Kalimantan. A riot even broke out on Idul Fitri. One may ask why the riots have broken out. Now, besides rioting, some regions have also expressed a desire to pull away from the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia.
In view of the above, allow me, as an Indonesian citizen, to express the following:
(1) I grieve over the death of thousands of Indonesians in various riots breaking out in various cities between 1996 and 1999.
(2) I regret the outbreak of various kinds of rioting which have harmed the Indonesian state and people.
(3) I call on the political elite to stop orchestrating riots colored with ethnicity, race, religion and intergrouping. When a riot breaks out, the common people will always be the victims.
(4) I call on the political elite, provocateurs and the community to terminate enmity and hostility which may give rise to rioting. Perpetrating a riot is a grave sin condemnable by both man and God. Destruction, looting and arson will only tarnish the reputation of our nation and state.
It is easy to destroy things but reconstruction or rebuilding will be costly in terms of money, time and energy.
(5) Let the people decide their own fate. Let them choose their own leader and opt for ways to overcome the total crisis (economic, political, moral, social, cultural and defense and security) now hitting Indonesia.
(6) The government, the Armed Forces, the political elite, community figures, religious figures and the community must maintain security in their respective areas to prevent riots from breaking out.
(7) Take firm measures against all provocateurs, including the masterminds. Mete out the severest punishment, if necessary capital punishment.
(8) Some regions have expressed a desire to leave the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia because of unjust practices. So, give them justice and they will remain.
(9) We hope to see a secure, peaceful, victorious and prosperous Indonesia. We hate to see Indonesia tarnished by riots, looting, destruction, arson, rapes and power struggles.
RICHARD NATA
Jakarta