One-track mind<\/p>\n
I really have problems trying to understand the attitude and
\nway of thinking of politicians in this reform era. Their way of
\nthinking is like a labyrinth for me. If I am right then all of us
\nare trying to create a new society based on democracy, law and
\norder.<\/p>\n
The 1945 Constitution, with some later amendments, is still
\nvalid, and so is the existence of the Republic of Indonesia,
\nproclaimed on Aug. 17, 1945, stretching from Sabang till Merauke.
\nSo if we are all determined to honor the law, there is no choice
\nbut to stick to these laws at all costs and with all
\nconsequences.<\/p>\n
So why are we thinking of having dialogs, meetings etc., with
\ngroups who have expressed loud and clear that they want
\nindependence from the republic; groups which have created their
\nowned armed forces? My simple one-track mind has difficulties in
\nunderstanding, let alone accepting, this separatist desire. They
\nhave even proclaimed the Islamic Republic of Sumatra.<\/p>\n
Some years back the Darul Islam under Kartosuwirjo, backed by
\nthe Islamic Indonesian Army, also proclaimed an independent and
\nsovereign state -- the Indonesian Islamic State. In Maluku, the
\nRepublic of South Maluku was also proclaimed. In those days
\nnegotiations or dialogs with separatists never entered the
\ngovernment's mind. They did the only right thing to do, which was
\nto act resolutely and quell the rebellion. With my simple one-
\ntrack mind I can understand and agree with these actions.<\/p>\n
But my spirit received a new push when on Dec. 2 the
\nIndonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Maj. Gen. Sudradjat said:
\n\"TNI will completely wipe out separatism. Indonesia's unity will
\nbe defended, if necessary with the sacrifice of blood and lives.
\nWe must deal resolutely with bandits who want separation.\"<\/p>\n
The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) receives free propaganda from the
\ndomestic and foreign press, showing off their armed group, which
\ncomprises boys and women in uniforms and red berets, and carrying
\nmodern arms. (Where did they get the money to finance all that?)<\/p>\n
This has gone too far; what is the government going to do? The
\nlonger it waits, the more complicated the situation will become.
\nForeign countries might interfere, making things worse, although
\nthe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have
\nguaranteed that they will not support separatist movements.<\/p>\n
The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has given TNI the
\ntask and duty of defending the republic's unity and integrity
\nfrom attacks from abroad or from the domestic front. TNI will
\nsurely fulfill this responsibility at whatever cost. Aceh is a
\ntest case for the present government, which was democratically
\nelected. So don't disappoint the Indonesian people, including TNI
\nand the National Police.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/one-track-mind-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }