Security and the election

Security and the election

Despite the absence of any proof of attempts to disrupt this year's general election, the recent discovery of five bombs in Medan Mall, North Sumatra, and the explosives blast in Cimanggis in the West Java town, Depok, indicate the possibility of security disturbances in the run-up to the elections.

The Medan bombs in Medan and Cimanggis explosion should remind us of a similar series of terror acts toward the end of the New Order and the beginning of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's administration.

The spreading of terror through bombs seems to be an effective way of creating public restlessness, nervousness and anxiety.

Such a situation will certainly cause instability and turmoil, which could reduce public trust in the government and the security apparatus.

However, in the midst of campaigning and preparations for the elections, the public is in desperate need of security and stability because these are the keys to the success of the elections.

Thus, Bisnis Indonesia shares Indonesian Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar's belief that certain parties are trying to disrupt this year's general elections.

Hence, any such attempt must be anticipated and prevented.

Within this context, the security apparatus must tighten security, and all elements of society must try to help make the election a success. -- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta