Megawati and Soeharto's trial<\/p>\n
From Merdeka<\/p>\n
In a number of meetings held by the supporters and cadres of
\nthe Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan),
\nMegawati Soekarnoputri has attracted mass attention by expressing
\nher dislike of the continued condemnation of Soeharto. She did
\nthis last in Medan. Of course, this is an effective tool to
\nattract mass support and shows that besides commanding respect
\nand not being vengeful, she is very wise and prudent in her
\nstruggle.<\/p>\n
Now that other politicians are trying to pressurize, condemn
\nand unmask Soeharto and his new Order regime in order that he
\nshould be tried and held accountable for his long years of rule,
\nincluding the unjust treatment of PDI Perjuangan in the bloody
\nJuly 27, 1996 incident, what will Megawati do?<\/p>\n
Does she still remember how Soeharto treated Soekarno --
\nalthough she was still very young then -- by isolating him in the
\nlast years of his life in order to curtail his influence?<\/p>\n
Does she still remember how Soekarno's teachings were dumped
\nduring the New Order era in order to stamp out his influence? All
\nthese acts were more harmful than condemnation or pressing that
\nsomeone be taken to court.<\/p>\n
Megawati's policy toward Soeharto is still unclear and in the
\nabsence of her other policy statements, one may even get the
\nimpression that she is defending him and letting him be by
\ntelling her followers not to condemn him or pressing that he be
\nbrought to book.<\/p>\n
If Megawati pursues this policy only to attract the sympathy
\nof the masses, it means that she is allowing the New Order regime
\n(including the figures who often meet Soeharto) to rise again and
\nthat she has forgotten that Soeharto is the political foe of her
\nfather, Soekarno.<\/p>\n
If this is the case, allow me to remind her that if she is
\nelected president, she should not take revenge on everyone who
\nonce treated her unjustly. This would be the logical consequence
\nof the policy she has been pursuing now. Anyhow, the New Order
\nregime has helped Megawati grow in stature although certainly it
\nwas a cruel regime to those kidnapped or even killed defending
\nMegawati. Remember, Soeharto is a cunning strategist. He
\ncertainly does not want to see his political foes rule this
\ncountry except if they do not condemn him, do not take him to
\ncourt, let him be and do not take revenge on him.<\/p>\n
Isn't Megawati destroying the supremacy of the law by giving
\nthe impression that she is ignoring prosecution of Soeharto and
\nhis cronies? In this case, what will happen to the people who
\nhave sacrificed and are ready to sacrifice their lives to defend
\nMegawati?<\/p>\n
AFRIDAM SIKUMBANG<\/p>\n
Bandarlampung, Lampung<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/megawati-and-soehartos-trial-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }