Dialog must be maintained<\/p>\n
Although there is a long way to go before all the wrongs
\nimposed on the Indonesian people can be addressed, the political
\nreforms begun by the government of President B.J. Habibie offer
\nhope of a national healing process. Withdrawing combat troops
\nfrom East Timor, and the promised withdrawal next month from the
\nprovince of Aceh in northern Sumatra, are both hopeful signs
\nwhich could set the scene for a more conciliatory atmosphere
\nbetween separatists and the central government. Talks between
\nIndonesia and Portugal may succeed in finding a compromise for
\nEast Timor, although Indonesia's demand for international
\nrecognition of sovereignty is likely to prove a difficult
\nstumbling block.<\/p>\n
A particularly striking sign of the new mood was the apology
\nby Defense Minister Gen. Wiranto to the people of Aceh for human
\nrights abuses by troops during the insurgency, when hundreds were
\nallegedly tortured and killed. As with the reports of murder and
\nrape against Chinese during the spring, a willingness to face up
\nto past crimes and to punish those responsible will be an
\nessential element in real progress. Even former president
\nSoeharto's son-in-law has been called before a military council
\nfor questioning.<\/p>\n
Given the depth of Indonesia's economic troubles, it is
\nessential for the government to maintain the process of dialog
\nand national reconciliation across the board.<\/p>\n
President Habibie and those around him -- including the Army
\n-- will have to bring into question policies which were central
\nto the Soeharto regime. That will not be easy, but it is
\nessential if the country is to move ahead.<\/p>\n
-- South China Morning Post, Hong Kong<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dialog-must-be-maintained-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }