Situbondo charity

After having discussed the Situbondo riots case with some of my friends on different occasions, I would like to propose to The Jakarta Post to open a Dompet Situbondo (Situbondo charity).

The reasons why I make this proposal are, among other things:

* The Situbondo incident is a national case, a concern for the whole nation.

* Mostly, we read statements about the incident in the papers, but hardly anyone said anything about helping and showing concern in a concrete way.

* This gesture of help would manifest the gotong royong (mutual help) principle, for which our society is famous.

* Also, this charity drive is to show the rioters who have caused the disturbance that such destructive behavior has no place in our society. Moslems, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists should help each other in times of need. The victims of the Situbondo riots are really in need of helping hands. Consequently, I believe the "Situbondo charity" drive is the best answer.

JUNUS N. ATMARUMEKSA

Jakarta