No need to guard the former president<\/p>\n
President Abdurrahman \"Gus Dur\" Wahid's order to disarm former
\npresident Soeharto's guards is a resolute step in upholding law
\nand order. The society has indeed waited for such a step.<\/p>\n
Though no longer in power, Soeharto is still treated as a
\npower holder. His guards are still loyally guarding his as well
\nas his children's safety.<\/p>\n
It's only now that the issue of the former president's body
\nguards is questioned. Initially, Wiranto, then still the
\nIndonesian military commander, said he would ensure Soeharto and
\nhis family's safety and honor. This statement was made not long
\nafter Soeharto formally stepped down.<\/p>\n
Thereafter, Soeharto and his family have always been
\nsafeguarded by the security apparatuses. The safeguarding doesn't
\ndiffer much from that carried out when he was still in power.
\nFully armed apparatuses in uniform or in civilian clothes are
\nalways present around Soeharto's residence.<\/p>\n
The guarding of this former New Order power holder seems to be
\nsuperfluous, whereas the late former president Sukarno did not
\nenjoy such facilities and neither have the former vice
\npresidents. This special treatment is not aimed at honoring the
\nformer president, but at protecting him from the consequences of
\nbeing accused of committing corruption, collusion and nepotism
\n(KKN).<\/p>\n
In my opinion, former president Soeharto need not be
\nsafeguarded like when he was still in power. The government need
\nnot afford him special treatment. Ordinary security is sufficient
\nto protect him.<\/p>\n
Therefore we hail President Abdurrahman's order to disarm
\nSoeharto's guards. In other words Gus Dur wants Soeharto not to
\nbe specially guarded any longer. Providing unarmed guards means
\nproviding no guards. Gus Dur is sure, even without guards,
\nSoeharto won't be hurt, because Soeharto is no longer president
\nand has no power.<\/p>\n
SUMARDI HARDJO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/no-need-to-guard-the-former-president-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }