The power of information

In time of crisis, whether it is economic, political or monetary, such as that we are experiencing at present, we feel the importance of the role of information, especially information coming from the right source, which is the government. The government should realize how important its role is, it should be considered as the one and only legal and dependable source of information. Information must be given at the right time and in a way acceptable to the people to create an atmosphere of confidence and peace. Peace or trouble mostly depends on what kind of information the people get and how accurate and timely it is when disseminated.

In an information vacuum the situation becomes fertile ground for irresponsible persons or groups to disseminate issues with the sole aim to create confusion. It is very unfortunate that, usually, rumors coming from unknown sources are likely to attract a lot of attention from both the uneducated and educated public alike, quickly spreading from mouth to mouth.

After the rush panic buying, the government made all kinds of statements to calm the people and give assurances that everything is under control and that there is enough stock of the most essential daily needs.

Newspapers of Jan. 9 are full of explanations given by competent officials in a coordinated way which had a positive effect on the emotions of the people. Minister Hartarto, Minister Tungky Ariwibowo and the BULOG Chief all gave optimistic pictures, backed by statistics.

Other heartening news, like the postponement of purchases of Armed Forces (ABRI) equipment which would cost about US$20 million and further slimming down ABRI's Foreign Attaches is a good example of ABRI's understanding of the situation and their willingness to sacrifice, to help the country get out of the present crisis.

The Love Rupiah drive spearheaded by Mrs. Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana (Mbak Tutut), who started to sell her dollars shows a positive development in national awareness.

It seems that the telephone conversation between President Clinton and President Soeharto has stimulated our economy favorably. The Indonesian people have the right to know all these developments and the government has the duty and obligation to inform the people of what is going on.

The people should know everything to create the feeling that this is their country (a sense of belonging) and that they too are responsible for the ups and downs and feel obliged to cooperate with the government in finding a way out of the existing problems.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta