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