The easiest work

The easiest work

From Rakyat Merdeka

We are now in 2000 and hope that the new year will bring improvement to all fields, especially to the economy. Political stability, general security and a less mercurial government are also among our expectations.

The little people do not need politicking, sweet promises. The essential things for them are safety and peace, freedom from fear, the possibility to earn a livelihood and adequate food, clothing and housing. The hope is on the Abdurrahman Wahid- Megawati Soekarnoputri government to start a new phase toward real improvement. The anxieties from riots must be wiped out. Today, Ambon and Aceh still witness a lot of bloodshed.

With the above in mind, I appeal to the politicians to stop their diabolic passion for power. This year of 2000 should see a cleansing of their moral values. They should join in the endeavors to improve the chaotic life in the Indonesian society. I want to point out that Indonesia's chaotic condition is not caused by the little people but by the politicians with their thirst for power and wealth.

They should be aware that many sacrifices of wealth and lives have been made by the people. The people cannot enjoy riches and power, it is the politicians who can do so by exploiting the people. Likewise, the brokers of conflicts, NGO members who are now having their heyday and can draw profit from abroad. They should arrest their passion by no longer speaking in the name of the people while they actually only represent their own interests.

Now we should support the government to put this country into order. Giving criticism is all right, but it must be done with good reason and in the right proportion. We all know that to criticize, to discredit, to slander, is the easiest thing to do.

We must realize that whoever is in the government will feel the heavy burden of the tasks lying ahead. Therefore, trust must be given to those in the government, so they can concentrate on improving life in this country.

The people are fed up with riots, pressures, threats. There is no need for politicians to threaten time limits -- 100 days, 200 days and the like -- implying a definitive period in which the government must attain results.

KRISNA

Jakarta