That gives them a great deal of influence. During the riots, the group deployed its people to protect property. At a police official's home one evening, Pancasila Youth members and Chinese residents discussed ways to defend themselves. If a non-governmental, unfunded group can rise to rival the police, then, indeed, anything in Medan can be accomplished. One student leader offers an answer.
Social breakdowns have deeper roots than hunger, frustration or anger.
They are consequences of a failure to persuade the majority that the existing system ought to be protected. Without that faith in law and order, only force remains between society and chaos. When that threat of force retreats, or is outnumbered, everything is up for grabs. And nothing is safe. All Rights Reserved.