Violence breeds violence

In the midst of the great changes taking place at present, it is important that all of us be able to recognize and know how to read the signs of the times. We all have to understand that our society has changed because of the uncertainties that people have to face and because people have become more critical in appraising every step the government takes and every policy it develops, including the manner in which it handles the students' actions on campuses.

The students, too, have reached the threshold of their patience because of the drawn-out crisis. For this reason, force and inflexibility in handling the various protest actions happening in our community lately only produces matching counter actions. Violence will only breed more violence. This is certainly something we do not want to become a part of our national life.

It is important that we recognize all this because such a turn of events is not at all inconceivable. If the people's social and economic conditions continue to worsen, it is very well possible that the present widespread student reform movement could develop into a mass protest movement. Such a movement, in turn, could develop into people power. If this happens, people will get to see things in terms of black and white only. In such a climate of conflict, the various nuances that exist in between will no longer be seen.

One way to prevent this from happening is for the government to in all earnest comply with the people's most fundamental demands, such as making jobs available and making essential good affordable to the masses. Also, the reforms that have been promised must be realized quickly to restore the people's trust in the government.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta