Don't award Soeharto, try him<\/p>\n
It is to be admitted that Soeharto differed from Sukarno who
\nfocused his struggle on political development, national unity and
\nnational pride.<\/p>\n
In economics Soeharto prevailed where Sukarno didn't, greatly
\nchanging the national attitude to development. This is the
\nsuccess story of the Soeharto regime.<\/p>\n
However, the benefits of development were not evenly
\ndistributed among the people. This development has created a wide
\ngap between the rich and the poor, which has resulted in social
\ndisharmony.<\/p>\n
Despite the successes Soeharto achieved, his great sins must
\nalso not be forgotten. He was the president who most extensively
\nworked to destroy democratic values, principles and the respect
\nfor human rights -- the legitimate aspirations of those in an
\nindependent nation -- under the guise of protecting economic
\ndevelopment.<\/p>\n
He led the nation to become a nation of slaves. He also
\nencouraged feudalism to flourish, promoting bapak-ism (corrupt
\npaternalism). People have been taken into a state of ignorance,
\nthey have inferiority complexes and lack self-confidence.<\/p>\n
It was obvious during the New Order era that acts of
\nsuppression were frequent and universal principles were not
\nabided by.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of thousands or perhaps millions of people have died
\nand been buried in unmarked graves that are yet to be found.
\nSoeharto, as the ultimate authority, should have been brought to
\ncourt for these crimes against humanity.<\/p>\n
During the three decades of his administration, Soeharto
\nworked to destroy human values, ethics and morality because he
\nlet corruption run rife in all levels of society. Now Indonesia
\nis labeled one of the most corrupt countries in the world. He and
\nhis cronies have not yet been tried for corruption, with
\nSoeharto's alleged ill health as the excuse.<\/p>\n
While it is unable or unwilling to bring Soeharto to court,
\nIndonesia loses its chance to revitalize essential values such as
\ntruth, justice, honesty, morality and ethics in a open, objective
\nand honest manner.<\/p>\n
That is why the presentation of an award by the Golkar Party
\nto former president Soeharto must be strongly condemned if we
\nwant to realize a truly democratic country and stand on the same
\nplatform as the other civilized nations of the world.<\/p>\n
ADNAN BUYUNG NASUTION
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dont-award-soeharto-try-him-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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