The rights and responsibility
The rights and responsibility
Campaign time is over and the general election has passed. The
political configuration of Indonesia is clear. Members of the
House of Representatives (DPR) have been appointed and have
undergone a crash course program to familiarize them with the
task ahead.
According to my logic, we should have now a time of peace and
tranquility in preparation for the next important session of the
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to elect the President and
Vice President and to formulate the mandate for the next
leadership in the form of Broad Outlines of State Policy (GBHN).
But contrary to my expectations, we still have troubles.
Mass destruction of property by uncontrolled mobs has happened
in several towns, causing loss of human life and property damage.
Whether the violent action is spontaneous or there is someone or
some organization behind it, I do not know.
Student brawls that claim lives still occur. Angry people
attacked and damaged police posts. Again, I honestly have no
knowledge of what is behind all these incidents.
Increase in crime in the form of murders, bank robberies,
rape, corruption and collusion is continuously making news. Added
to that is the rupiah depreciation which may disrupt the smooth
flow of the economy. Is there someone or some organization behind
all these just to discredit the government? How do I know?
Forest fires in Kalimantan and on several mountains in Java
are another national catastrophe. Fires in towns that raze houses
in slum areas happen almost every day. What is behind all these
phenomena? Does anybody know? I don't.
On the political scene, there is the fanning of controversial
issues in order to invite reactions and create an atmosphere for
polemics. Is this necessary?
We live in a democratic society so freedom of expression
should be developed, but this freedom should be a tool for the
creation of creativity, which is needed in the national
development.
Indonesian citizens have the right to express their opinion,
and the right to have a different opinion. However, these rights
should be combined with a sense of responsibility.
It is very unfortunate psychologically that people who
criticize the government are usually considered to be heroes, and
people who support the government are branded yes-men.
My appeal is that one should restrain oneself and think before
saying something, especially if he or she occupies a high social
status or government position.
Let us maintain peace and order, and when aspiring to fight a
legitimate political battle, we should observe the why, when,
where and how to do it.
SOEGIH ARTO
Jakarta