Students should act rationally
I have decided to write this letter after reading about the fate of jailed student activists, who seem to be victims of wrong advice. As a teacher, I feel obliged to pass on my humble advice to my fellow students. I will talk about current topical issues in relation to students, attitudes, judgments and activities in Indonesia.
Demonstrations--It is true that demonstrations are widely used as an outlet to vent political steam, but their effectiveness as a method varies from place to place and from time to time. My worry is that, other than achieving students' aims--whatever they are--they may be an umbrella to those who like to fish in troubled waters. This will disrupt stability. I would suggest that, the best way to change a system--if that is their aim--is to cooperate with it and work within its framework. Then articulate your views. If they are plausible they will be accepted and adopted in the form of internal reorganization. Group compromises that reflect a common denominator in the policy struggle is the best for the students' future.
Corruption trials--I have read about some students demonstrating to demand trials of certain officials. Thank you for that concern but remember that what is important is proof that they are guilty and not the layman's assumption of their guilt. Without proof the prosecutor's hands are tied.
Labor problems--Students as future workers have a stake here. They should condemn in strongest terms the militaristic approach by some groups to labor issues. Students should approach it in an academic manner through research. In all those writings about this issue no one has shown us data about total wage bill in relation to net-profits, costs vs. net profits, total labor force etc. It seems that some people are just following Western rhetoric. Remember the West's reasons are more economical than ideological.
Human rights--Much has been written about students' concerns on this issue. The pros and cons of this will be left to political analysts. I just want students to remember that human rights have different interpretations in different countries and at different times. Some human rights violations are inevitable because of the less developed institutional framework. In developing countries we are fighting population explosion, illiteracy, debt burden and economic dependence. Total democracy is difficult, if not impossible to achieve.
As a foreigner, I welcome any misinterpretations I may have given based on lack of or insufficient understanding of the forces behind them. I also welcome any debate or discussion on these issues to show how they have destroyed some parts of Africa.
Lastly, please never fight a war you can't win. You may win the battle of appearing as a hero but lose the war of social reform.
KWIZERA BYABAGABO
Yogyakarta