The riot in Medan

The recent workers' riot to demand an increase in the minimum wage in Medan, North Sumatra, has left one person dead, dozens of others injured and over 100 shops and scores of motorized vehicles damaged.

In evaluating the situation, the Bukit Barisan Military Commander, Maj. Gen. A. Pranowo, said the riot grew out of a improperly motivated demonstration. In justification of the military's action in quelling the riot, he pointed out that a third party had taken advantage of the labor movement to further its own interests. He said it was necessary for the military to step in due to its responsibility to maintain order, adding that the labor movement's actions upset stability and security by bringing up matters related to SARA (racial, tribal, religious and societal issues).

We hail the military commander's evaluation of the situation because we should be wise enough to learn from our past experiences. The past has shown us all to well that brutal and irresponsible demonstrations will only result in great losses to the public.

If brutality and criminality develop, democracy will fade out. Therefore the rules of the game must always be upheld in every activity we undertake as citizens of this nation.

-Suara Karya, Jakarta