We have watched on TV how Malaysian warships repeatedly entering Indonesian waters in Ambalat, compelling our naval forces to chase them out. The incidents have displayed contempt for our military might.

David, Indonesia's bright student, died in Singapore of a mysterious cause without his death being properly handled legally. Manohara, married to Kelantan nobility Tengku Fachry, was reportedly tortured by her husband until she returned to Jakarta with the help of FBI. The efforts of our embassy in Kuala Lumpur should be questioned.

Quite a number of Indonesian female migrant workers have been inhumanly treated abroad, with a number of them becoming physically handicapped as a result of their ill-treatment, and some even dying. The government's concern over this issue should also be questioned.

Our youths have volunteered in the war in Afghanistan and clearly voiced their stance in defense of Palestine. Now, as the nation is being held in contempt by others, their voice is not heard. The Minister of Youth should give a voice to those youths.

I am around 80 years old, and in my twenties, I was one of those engaged in the War of Independence as a member of the student troop in Solo, who managed to control the city under Maj. Ahmadi. We really cannot tolerate such developments today and should ask the government act sternly and patriotically to awaken our youths' spirit of nationalism.

R. Soehartono

Bandung

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