The power of information
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