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