American pressure?<\/p>\n
The government has suggested that the dispute between state-
\nowned electricity company PLN and private investors involved in
\nthe Paiton I power project be settled out of court. As a
\nconsequence, PLN president Adhi Satriya, who has been a strong
\nproponent of a legal settlement, chose to resign.<\/p>\n
It has been reported that the government's decision to seek an
\nout-of-court settlement in this case is the result of pressure
\nexerted by the United States -- a superpower that portrays itself
\nas a champion of lawfulness, a global policeman and defender of
\nhuman rights.<\/p>\n
When President Abdurrahman Wahid visited the U.S. some time
\nago he was apparently pressured by the American Exim Bank and
\nformer state secretary Warren Christopher into opting for an out-
\nof-court settlement. Similar pressure was reportedly exerted by
\nthe American Export Trade Agency (ETA). According to Adhi
\nSatriya, such pressure was exerted not only on the President, but
\nalso on Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry
\nKwik Kian Gie as chief director of PLN. (Adhi's) resignation as
\npresident of PLN is therefore seen by many as a defeat for
\nPresident Abdurrahman in facing American pressure.<\/p>\n
If pressure from the U.S. continues to be accommodated and the
\nlaw is allowed to be pushed into the background, (Abdurrahman)
\nmust be ready to see his government lose its self-respect and its
\nauthority, and be seen as to overlook the importance of
\nestablishing the supremacy of the law as demanded by our reform
\nmovement.<\/p>\n
By reasserting its autonomy to decide, and firmly establishing
\nthe supremacy of the law, the government must correct its mistake
\nand reaffirm its honor and authority as the leading authority of
\na sovereign country.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/american-pressure-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }