Viewing change positively

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