Viewing change positively

In Indonesia, lately, there have been a number of political jolts which only two decades ago would have been difficult to imagine in a country where people are obsessed with peace and political and economic stability. At present, however, tangible facts tell us that change -- or the desire to bring about change -- is on the rise everywhere.

Indonesian workers are beginning to feel fed up with being paid wages they consider inhumane. Intellectuals (university students in particular) are beginning to show aspirations and strive to express their own identities in ways that may sometimes appear extreme. Also, on the political scene, we can observe various upheavals, which were uncommon during the past two decades.

In the Indonesian Democratic Party, we can observe certain kinetics at work that seemingly could demolish this party from within. The possibility is great that before very long, a similar situation will emerge inside the United Development Party. Even in Golkar, it is not inconceivable that similar disturbances may occur.

Movement and change are dictated by the law of nature and are inherent parts of nature itself. We are aware of nature's presence because of this movement and change. Man is only a minuscule part of nature. Why, therefore, should we fear change? Nothing is permanent in nature.

The disturbances that we now see in our political life are perhaps only a small part caused by pressures from the "undercurrent" -- if this is not considered a dirty word in this country -- a small and insignificant spark of human life, or a ripple in the ocean of human existence. So, why fear it or be uncomfortable?

Let us view these tokens of change with a positive eye and open up a better tomorrow for our future generations.

-- Merdeka, Jakarta