The government has reduced its fuel price increases, however,

The government has reduced its fuel price increases, however, street demonstrations go on. Dissatisfaction with Megawati Soekarnoputri's administration has continued. It is obvious the demonstrations have another target -- toppling the government.

Whether we like it or not, toppling the government has become a hobby of the people. But it is a very expensive hobby, which causes an addiction. Therefore, despite it being expensive, many people are interested in it.

If President Megawati was unseated this year, the nation would have had five presidents within five years, with the Presidium being the fifth.

For those who love unseating presidents during their terms in office, there is nothing difficult to carry out.

With its expensive hobby, the nation is classified as a nation with a unique attitude.

Demonstrations continue to rock the government but the stock exchange and the rupiah are stable. The Jakarta Composite Index has increased by 0.741 points and the rupiah, despite a five- point fall, is still considered stable at 8,880 to the U.S. dollar.

Doing a hobby is normal, but toppling a president in a poor country like Indonesia, is very strange.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta

Libya and human rights

Many were astounded when Libya was appointed the head of the Human Rights Commission at the United Nations. Isn't Libya, under Moammar Qaddafi, always slammed, especially by the U.S., for its failure to respect and protect human rights?

The U.S. and Israel have strongly criticized the appointment of Libya.

Why was Libya, branded by America and its allies as a rights violator, appointed with 33 votes for, 17 abstentions and just three against in Geneva on Jan. 20?

According to the U.S. Qaddafi has been repressive. He has had those opposing him jailed without proper legal proceedings. In the 1980s, when Ronald Reagan was the U.S. President, Libya was branded the demon palace. Libya was then raided by the U.S.

Now, two decades later, Libya is among 25 countries listed as terrorist states by President George W. Bush. Afghanistan, Iraq and North Korea are also among the 25 countries.

The U.S. accusations against Libya have apparently failed to influence the voting by UN Human Rights Commission member countries.

-- Kompas, Jakarta