Unusual crossing

I know how important the military is to this country for stability and authority. Up till now I have had no reason to think of them with any thoughts but respect. However, on July 19, 1995 at 1:30 p.m. I was shocked and frightened. I was just entering Jl. R.S. Fatmawati next to the Pasar Mede in Cilandak. An older military officer had evidently tired of waiting to cross the road. He pulled his pistol and brandished it at the passing motorists bringing traffic to a stop. He then crossed making sure each motorist knew he was pointing the gun directly at them as he passed.

My parents, just arrived from the United states, were also with me and you can imagine their surprise at how they were welcomed to Indonesia. I cannot believe this officer is representative of his fellow officers and I sincerely hope in the future they will do their best to enforce discipline within their own members.

J.A. CARY

Jakarta