A plot to topple the government?

A number of people gathered in a plush hotel room. There, under the glare of television spotlights, they made public an 18- point proposition to be televised nationwide, openly. Among those 18 points was one proposing the formation of a presidium as an alternative to the present government.

Not much interest was shown at the time the 18 points were publicized, neither by the public or by the government. The declaration was regarded as a democratic adornment, something currently in vogue. However, when huge demonstrations flared up in Jakarta a few days later and victims fell, the realization began to dawn that a conspiracy to topple the government was going on. The Group of 17, which conceived the 18 points contained in the declaration, was accused of instigating the demonstrations, which aimed at foiling the Special Session of the Consultative People's Assembly (MPR) and at the same time toppling the lawful government. One after another, the people (who signed the declaration) were questioned by police on suspicion of conspiring to topple the government.

Because it concerns power, a conspiracy to topple a government must be based on some grand design, complete with a description of the stages and modes of operation involved. When the plotters are questioned, no facts should actually need to be kept secret. All the intelligence data, initially meant for the consumption of certain officials only, must now be made available to the public. The public has the right to know in detail what the plot attempted to achieve and how.

The government at present is making the stakes extremely high. It must have the courage and resolution to take action against the plotters if it can prove its case. Otherwise it must in all fairness restore the suspects' names. Any dallying or leaving the case unresolved for no clear reason -- as in the case of the abduction of political activists, the resolution of whose cases remains obscure up to the present -- will only further tarnish the government's image.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta