The stability we desire

The stability we desire

Security and order appear to have returned to Jakarta
following the "Gray Saturday" incident. This is evident from
Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso's statement that
some security personnel posted in public places will be withdrawn
this week.

The improved security will spur greater economic activity and
invite capital inflow from various parts of the world. This will
act as fuel to spur our economy into increased activity and
provide more jobs and business opportunities. The effect of all
this will be like a giant spiral that gradually but constantly
increases the living standards of our people. However, if the
distribution of wealth is regarded by the public as unfair and
great disparities persist, the tensions will grow and the
slightest spark could easily cause eruptions.

Obviously we all aspire to remain in a spiral that causes the
welfare of our people to grow without interruption. We also want
to remain as far removed as possible from any currents that could
suck our people into an abyss of disaster. Therefore it is the
duty of all of us to contemplate, to look ahead and resolve and
strive to establish a feeling of security for all those who aim
to propel this nation further forward. We must rebuff any
destructive proposition.

What all this means is not that we must circumvent conflict,
but that we must be able to manage conflicts in such a manner
that a positive rather than negative outcome is assured. Through
such an aptitude we will be able to establish the dynamic
stability that we all aspire to achieve.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta