The New Order legacy

The New Order legacy

From Kompas

I feel deeply concerned to observe the recent surge in public outcry, particularly street rallies in Jakarta and other major cities. I bitterly regret that the protesters have become brutal and anarchic.

I have lived long enough to have experienced life under the leadership of the five presidents of Indonesia.

Experience has taught us that protesters have certain goals to achieve. Some want to have a new government; such people do not want to understand others and do not want to learn about their own weaknesses and tend to act rashly.

But it is lamentable, after a brief period of relative peace, that we were again shocked by news of protesters burning the effigies of our leaders. This is improper and not part of our tradition.

All of us need to learn to give the relatively new government a chance, and work hard to deal with the New Order's legacy.

SUWARNI S., Surakarta, Central Java