Statements and actions

Every other day we read in the media statements made by high- ranking Army and Police officials, saying that they will take stern actions against looters and rioters. And that they will be treated according to the law. Reading this every day creates a feeling of peace and order and that the Armed Forces is doing its job in protecting the good people against the bad.

But as many as there are tough statements, there are also as many incidents of rioting, looting, violent demonstrations and violent strikes. But again, people are happy because every time one of these incidents happen, they read that the Armed Forces succeeded in restoring peace and order.

Over the past few days, newspapers have printed a fixed sequence of news: tough statements, followed by riots and looting, followed by peace and order, restored only after the damage had been done.

I know that law enforcement agencies must have a difficult time dealing with this difficult situation, when things are hard to predict. But, even though, I would be very, very happy if I did not have to read more of these statements, because we have had enough of them, and all the statements are the same.

Instead, I would like to read news such as this: The Armed Forces succeeded in preventing riots in such and such town, or, the Armed Forces succeeded in preventing looting and the burning of houses and shops.

Prevention, although difficult, must be made possible considering that the Armed Forces has eyes and ears everywhere. They can ask the help of youth and mass organizations, which are found all over the country and are loyal to the government.

Also, I want to point out that the riots, looting and other irregularities are sparked by the scarcity of essential food stuffs (sembako), the result of an inefficient distribution system.

The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) should step in and do its best to improve this system, so that essential goods can reach even the remotest villages. Bulog should work harder, not only by holding the market operation, but so that the distribution system is efficiently and effectively implemented.

The government should inform the public regularly and continuously that there is enough food and that the soaring prices are only a temporary matter. If the people have enough to eat, they will stop rioting and looting, and, in turn, people with criminal intentions of rocking the government will not get the public's support.

Then, a time of peace and order will come and the government will be able to concentrate fully on the bigger problems of overcoming the monetary crises.

The Ministry of Information should be more active and distribute information to fight harmful rumors. I read a few days ago that the President asked John Hopkins to meet the press every day and explain about the Currency Board System (CBS), so that they would know exactly what it is all about and the public could support it wholeheartedly.

I have the impression that the Ministry of Information is not doing enough to help maintain stability, which is vital for economic life.

Each and everyone of us needs to support the government's effort to maintain peace and stability. This is no time for intrigues because the situation is too serious to play around with. Do not let the poor people suffer much longer.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta