A sound decision

With a state of civil emergency declared in Maluku, it is well to reflect a while on the role of the military. In the case of Maluku, the military have been acting most atypically. They are seen to be present, but they are ineffective in stopping the bloodshed. They go on patrol, but are incapable of preventing ambushes and massacres. They have surrounded the islands but cannot stop arms from being smuggled in. They have an army, navy and air force but are beaten by civilians armed with spears, arrows and Molotov cocktails.

A pathetic setback. Where are the intelligence operators who under the New Order were so quick to nab criminals and provocateurs? Where are the spies who in the past so diligently spied on anyone they suspected? The argument that the military cannot do as they wish because they are afraid of being accused of violating human rights is mere whimpering.

To President Abdurrahman Wahid we would like to say, the decision to declare the state of civil emergency in Maluku is sound. If a state of civil emergency should turn out to be not enough to stop the killings, a state of military emergency should be declared, and if that isn't enough, declare a state of war.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta