Security is top priority

As far as I can remember we Indonesians have never before lived in such an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Not even during the Japanese occupation, nor during the time of the fierce war of independence against the Dutch colonialists, nor during the U.S. supported PRRI/PERMESTA rebellion and the latest communist uprising have the people been so affected by fear and uncertainty. These days you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow to you and to your family, to the nation or to the country. It is like living in a jungle of lawlessness full of barbaric acts.

The latest fashion is bombing targeted at government offices, foreign embassies and international organizations, which are trying to help and ease tension in our country.

If peace can be restored, confidence will come back, the confidence of the Indonesian people in the government, and confidence from the outside world. If law prevails, peace and order will be maintained and the people can control themselves and live according to the rules.

The government is well aware of this and drastic steps have been taken, among others removing weak officials from their posts. Another positive step is that Jakarta has planned a month- long crackdown on criminals called the Jaya Mandiri Operation, which focuses particularly on the possession of fire arms, explosive devices and drugs (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 22, 2000).

This is a good step in the right direction of restoring law and order. High government officials and political party elites should contribute in the efforts of bringing back a calm and peaceful society and refrain from making unnecessary (let alone confusing) statements and comments. This is not the time for trying to be popular. This is the time to forge unity, cooperation and efforts in restoring peace.

In this comprehensive shake up, the government should embrace the non-governmental organizations, which are sincerely trying to help the government for the sake of the people. In my modest opinion, students in particular can play a dominant and decisive role in this endeavor.

The students are educated and can therefore control their emotions and let logic and sense guide them. They will not easily be controlled by destructive elements who want to misuse them for their own goals. The students have courage. So why don't we embrace the students and ask them to support the government in restoring peace and order. One thing they can do in helping is to stop all kinds of demonstrations. With their intellectual capacity and political knowledge they can discuss all kinds of problems without resorting to violent demonstrations. They can organize meetings and iron out differences in a true democratic atmosphere.

The struggle to improve the life of our nation continues, but the method used is different, more mature and civilized. So I appeal to the students to think this over because the common people are suffering mentally and physically, and the students can help stop all these sufferings and bring the real aims of reform to the surface.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta