A sound decision

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