ABRI to investigate abductions

This nation's honor and dignity was dealt a heavy blow by the recent spate of disappearances and the international community has been quick to accuse Indonesian authorities of having no regard for their country's own citizens. This most unfair accusation must be endured because of the actions of the abductors, who our law enforcement agencies have so far been unable to trace.

It is fitting that the Armed Forces (ABRI), together with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), should now take the initiative to set up a fact-finding team because we must not allow this nation's credibility to be shattered by the people who abducted the activists.

Without prejudice, it must be said that the public here, and among the international community, suspect ABRI of having a hand in the disappearances. For this reason it is fitting that efforts to restore the good name of the nation, and that of ABRI, should be initiated by the Armed Forces.

Any indecision will only worsen the situation, especially if we become entrapped in a war of words and accusations. The ABRI initiative will have a positive impact only if the perpetrators of the abductions -- irrespective of rank or grouping, military or otherwise -- are brought to justice according to the dictates of the law.

Failure or hesitation to apprehend the abductors will deliver a huge blow to the credibility of our law enforcing apparatus, and display to the world the impotence of our entire judicial system. Until they are brought to justice, society at large will live in fear of the abductors, who could strike again at any time with impunity. Victims the next time around could be journalists, politicians, officials, housewives, lawyers. In short, anybody.

Steps taken by the Armed Forces' to set up a fact-finding team is therefore the correct step to take. No group of kidnapers can be allowed to make a mockery of this nation's good reputation and credibility.

Whether acknowledged or not, ABRI holds the real political power in this nation. Who else can the people turn to for help and protection if they are threatened by groups of masked kidnapers?

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta