Unity is strength

Democracy has now found its place in Indonesia. Democracy offers a favorable atmosphere for the development of human personality. While referring to democracy, a humane incident which I read about a long time ago comes to mind.

An American soldier was riding on a bus to Sweden. He told the man sitting next to him that America was the most democratic country in the world and that ordinary citizens could go to the White House to discuss things with the president.

The man who sat next to him said "That's nothing". In Sweden, the king and people travel together on the same bus. When the man got off the bus, the soldier was told by the other passengers that he had been sitting next to King Gustaf VI Adolf.

This kind of a situation could not be compared with to anything here in Indonesia. Democracy is just a newborn baby. But at this juncture, unity is more important. If a quarrel occurs among the members of the House of Representatives then one will overpower the other. One should take the guidance of the other and see to it that the country progresses.

The greatest thing you can give to somebody is your full attention. Similarly, the government should concentrate its attention on people's problems. It should be conscious of personal limitations, deficiencies and shortcomings.

No country can progress unless its citizens are well-educated. Only then will people know the distinction between what is right and what is wrong. So the government should provide free education so that all children can go to school. The lamp of knowledge should reach even the most remote and dark homes.

Internal strength is needed for the economic development of the country. But for achieving all these goals, unity among the members of the government is much needed. United we stand, divided we fall.

UMA RAMAKRISHNA

Jakarta