A plea to Gen. Wiranto
A plea to Gen. Wiranto
People's way of celebrating Independence Day in past years was
so lively with various activities ranging from community
volleyball matches to big prize games sponsored by the private
sector.
This year, however, such activities have decreased in quantity
and quality. This is mainly because of people's traumatic May
riot experiences. It is such a shame that the unique Indonesian
way of celebrating Independence Day has to be eliminated because
of the fear of massive riots.
Having said that, there have been rumors claiming that further
rioting may explode in the days leading up to or after
Independence Day on Aug. 17. These rumors can be read on the
Internet and can be spread by word of mouth. Like any other
rumor, the validity of this rumor is doubted. But on the other
hand, a rumor must have some source. Whichever, the possibility
of rioting breaking out is very real considering the political
and economic situations in our country. Both are far from stable.
This is disadvantageous to our country since many people have
fled the country in search of a secure place to live. It is an
embarrassment that Indonesia is a very dangerous place to live.
Moreover, our economy cannot become stable if foreign countries
label Indonesia an unsafe country.
This is where the military plays a part. The Armed Forces
(ABRI) has to play its "long gone" role as a people's army. An
institution where the people reign, not like ABRI's role in the
New Order under Soeharto.
With people still living in fear, we beseech ABRI to protect
people and make Indonesia a secure place to live. This is also a
chance for ABRI to regain popularity. Learning from past
experiences, there are indications of how ABRI has misused its
role and legalized policies made by the Soeharto regime to
suppress the population. Until now, ABRI's reputation has eroded
because due to indications that it was involved in the July 27,
1996 riot, the shooting of four Trisakti students, the death of a
student in Yogyakarta earlier this year, and the May riots that
caused losses of billions of rupiah.
On behalf of the people of the Republic of Indonesia, we plead
with Gen. Wiranto as the minister of defense and security/ABRI
commander to get the military back to its original function,
which is to protect the people. Don't let the population live in
fear, don't ever misuse the power invested in the military to
suppress the people. Prove that ABRI can really protect its
people by giving them maximum security.
As for the people, regardless of the rumors about forthcoming
riots, we must increase neighborhood watch activities. With or
without ABRI's support, we must retain stability in our
neighborhoods by patrolling in daily shifts.
DR. WIKU ADISASMITO
Executive Director
PELANGI Indonesia
Jakarta