Time for correction, consolidation

The challenges we are currently facing are complex, intricate and sensitive. They also contain some novel elements. Among those elements is, for example, the reality that money has now become a commodity traded by players and forces who are no longer confined to financial institutions and governments and who constitute a virtual invisible hand -- elusive and highly mobile.

We condemn and protest against the cold-blooded game which they are playing, all the more so when they are driven by political motives. In order to find a way out of our difficulties, we must look for the factors -- objective as well as psychological -- that serve the purpose of these players.

We must take well-considered measures. It appears that a climate of public anxiety could also affect the elite in government as well as in society. We must be careful in our attitudes. Our elite must be careful not to let themselves be affected by this anxiety and be driven into acting in ways that could have a negative impact.

This is the time for all of us to look for ways to better ourselves and our situation in step with the necessary corrective and consolidation measures which the government is now taking. Good governance is easier established if private businesses and the public cooperate in a positive manner.

-- Kompas, Jakarta