The kind of stability we desire

Security and order appear to have returned to Jakarta following the "Gray Saturday" incident. This is evident from Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso's statement that some security personnel posted in public places will be withdrawn this week.

The improved security will spur greater economic activity and invite capital inflow from various parts of the world. This will act as fuel to spur our economy into increased activity and provide more jobs and business opportunities. The effect of all this will be like a giant spiral that gradually but constantly increases the living standards of our people. However, if the distribution of wealth is regarded by the public as unfair and great disparities persist, the tensions will grow and the slightest spark could easily cause eruptions.

Obviously we all aspire to remain in a spiral that causes the welfare of our people to grow without interruption. We also want to remain as far removed as possible from any currents that could suck our people into an abyss of disaster. Therefore it is the duty of all of us to contemplate, to look ahead and resolve and strive to establish a feeling of security for all those who aim to propel this nation further forward. We must rebuff any destructive proposition.

What all this means is not that we must circumvent conflict, but that we must be able to manage conflicts in such a manner that a positive rather than negative outcome is assured. Through such an aptitude we will be able to establish the dynamic stability that we all aspire to achieve.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta