Ambon flare-up and former ministers<\/p>\n
The Ambon flare-up, at least in theory, could have been
\nprevented if the central government had not been weakened by the
\nresignation from the Megawati Cabinet of two coordinating
\nministers in charge of security and social welfare.<\/p>\n
Many observers acknowledge that the root causes of the
\nsectarian violence in Ambon and the emerging social problems of
\ndisplaced people, despite the Malino Agreement and in Sulawesi
\nthe Poso Accord, have not been removed, and therefore it was not
\ntimely for the two ministers to resign.<\/p>\n
After so much death and destruction following the clashes, I
\nam curious to know if this tragic fact is nagging at their
\nconsciences. Politically, they can wash their hands in innocence
\nbut morally they cannot be declared clean, can they?<\/p>\n
For the simple-minded, it appears that they have abandoned an
\nunfinished job in the name of democracy. Do they believe that
\nthere will be nothing left of separatist movements, sectarian
\nviolence, poverty, unemployment or terrorist threats as soon as
\nthey assume their new posts as president or vice president of the
\ncountry?<\/p>\n
It is tragic that so many political opportunists, instead of
\nfar-sighted and unselfish future statesmen, are now running for
\nthe presidency and vice presidency in the false perception that
\nonly a change in the top positions can radically remove the ills
\namong 200 million people and stop abuse of power instantly. The
\ntwo former cabinet ministers have made no comment on the latest
\nupheavals. In fact, they have become immobile and their
\nexperience and skill has been wasted at a time of crisis.<\/p>\n
Against this background, praise must be made of the Indonesian
\nMilitary (TNI) chief, who has declined offers leading to the vice
\npresidency. He argues that his services are still needed by the
\ncountry and that one can serve the national cause in any
\nposition.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ambon-flare-up-and-former-ministers-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}