A fascist style

A fascist style

Indonesia has a serious problem with militias, party-related
and religion-oriented. The latest proof of this is the show of
force by fascist-looking religious militants carrying offensive
weapons outside the Philippines Embassy on March 21. Why were
they not disarmed? Indeed, why were no arrests made?

This problem goes right to the heart of the political system.
When the President herself turns a blind eye to the presence in
the youth wing of her Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
(PDI Perjuangan) of the notorious thug Enrico Gutteres, a man
whose name will surely feature on the charge list of any
international tribunal for East Timor, is it any wonder that
others feel free to arm themselves fascist-style?

The Betawi Brotherhood Forum, whose threat of violence against
Wardah Hafidz of the Urban Poor Consortium certainly is criminal
in intent, feel free to carry sticks and swords in chasing off
flood victims. Where were the police?

What is necessary is moral leadership from the top as well as
a grassroots movement opposed to violence.

DAVID JARDINE

Jakarta