A spoiled political prisoner

Indonesia is a free and sovereign country, which has made many sacrifices in its fight for independence. Indonesia tries very hard to be fair to all law abiding citizens, and everybody is considered equal before the law.

People, irrespective of religion, ethnic origins, wealth, or social or political status, will be treated the same. There are no exceptions under the law.

But, what is happening to a political prisoner, who has been proven before an Indonesian court to be guilty of violating the law? He gets special treatment, gets a comfortable house with his own guards, and two lawyers are specially appointed to assist him (Who is paying the lawyers' fees? Is it the government?).

In The Jakarta Post of April 26, 1999, on the front page we can read the following statement through Hendardi, Xanana Gusmao's lawyer. His client, he said, was circumspect because he had not been informed (repeat, informed) of the results of the New York dialog, and constraints that have delayed the signing of the final agreement to May 5. According to Xanana it is a must for the UN to provide information to our client.

The talks are between Indonesia and the United Nations. What is Xanana's position that he demands the UN to provide him with information.

At this moment, Xanana is a prisoner, and the Republic of Indonesia still exists. The fate of East Timor will be decided by the people there, while Indonesia, Portugal and the UN are laying foundations for this important process.

He might be the future president of East Timor, but at this moment he is a prisoner of the Republic of Indonesia and he should be treated like any other prisoner.

Amien Rais or Megawati Soekarnoputri or Yusril Ihza Mahendra or Sri Bintang Pamungkas might be the future president of the Republic, but at this moment they are just common citizens and are treated as such.

The Indonesian government is spoiling Xanana by giving him so many privileges. Even the minister of justice himself considers it important to tackle Xanana's problems himself and not send a subordinate. What an honor! Or, is our government afraid?

Stop spoiling him and stop treating him like a foreign president.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta