ABRI to investigate abductions

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