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t means that they, the local officials, have proved their loyalty and love to the public.

Muhammad Isa

The local officials’ involvement in the protest shows “democracy in action”, and that SBY’s decision to jack up the fuel price is not the right one.

Recent violent protests by university students are their way of letting the President know that his reign may soon be on the brink of collapse. Amid this uncertainty, as the demonstrations grow uglier, instead of addressing the protesting students, SBY chose to go on fruitless foreign visits and left the students’ concerns unanswered.

The question now is, why does SBY’s trip coincide with his unpopular domestic policy? What is, if any, the main goal of the journey? Why would he squander so much cash when we are very much in need of it?

The president and his aides are a psychologically confused lot. They simply don’t know how to run this country. Until SBY’s return, I hope all of us demand his resignation and let the regime change take place.

If indeed he is forced to resign, I fear Jakarta could become Indonesia’s Homs. This is not to say, of course, that we want to create political crisis by ousting him in a way that can cause further violence.

But in the developing world, Indonesia particularly, never do we see a leader leave office unless forced to do so. At the best of times, ruling Indonesia can be one of the world’s toughest jobs.

For this reason, we surely need a dignitary that has a charismatic personality and calm authority when dealing with chaotic situations. Today, unfortunately, we seem to have no such person.

If we could import a foreign leader, just as we can import foreign soccer players, I would urge my fellow Indonesians to pick former US president William Jefferson Clinton.

He would surely, with his cleverness and strong personality, save this country from corruptors’ hands and bring us all to prosperity. In the mean time, let’s hope SBY doesn’t return to Indonesia again.

John Berhmans

It is odd that after 15 years of regional autonomy, the

Home minister has to be reminded of his responsibilities and powers. It seems that the ramifications of the autonomy laws and regulations are still not fully appreciated.

Henry Manoe
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara

Indonesia is a democratic country, not a dictatorship! A difference of opinion is not a reason to fire anyone. Anyone who cannot accommodate opposition can go to another country that is still under a dictatorship.

Widya
Bergen, Norway

We would rather pay full prices than have some crooks smugge subsidized oil. Don’t be foolish my friends — subsidies benefit crooks more than us, so it is best to be equal so no one can benefit from stealing subsidies, not only from oil, but also from rice subsidies, etc.

Harry
Jakarta