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