One of the challenges before Indonesia today is to work together to strengthen the rule of law, so all citizens will have confidence that their security will be protected and their rights respected. It requires legal systems that are efficient and courts that are independent and fair. It requires that the rights of all be protected regardless of ethnic, religious or cultural background. And it requires that those who enforce the law also observe the law. When these requirements are not sufficiently met, the rule of law breaks down, people lose confidence in their government, and the Pandora's box of violence is opened .
Violence is the enemy of democracy, security and prosperity.
It rips at the social fabric, instills fear and intolerance, disrupts economic activity and hinders rational debate. And nothing is more vital than preserving peace during the election campaign, so that candidates feel free to express themselves and citizens may vote without fear. During his lifetime, Lincoln lost his job twice, failed in business, saw three of his sons die in their childhood, and was the losing candidate in eight elections. But times change, and so do minds. Today ' s losers may become winners tomorrow.