A spoiled political prisoner
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