ABRI's apology

ABRI's apology

From Pikiran Rakyat

Following a series of condemnations of the Armed Forces
(ABRI), Minister of Defense/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto
at last apologized on Jan. 24 to the people for all the mistakes
ABRI has made in the past.

Besides asking for forgiveness, Gen. Wiranto promised that
ABRI would take a neutral attitude in the forthcoming elections
and would give its support to the total reform movement initiated
by the students in accordance with the people's aspirations.

This long-awaited gesture will hopefully reduce the intensity
of the conflicts prevailing among the political elite. It should
be admitted that, under former president Soeharto's 32-year
leadership, ABRI shared the responsibility for managing the
internal affairs of the nation. ABRI played a crucial role,
without which Soeharto and his cronies would not have been able
to rule the country for such a long period.

In the context of the Idul Fitri celebrations, it is customary
for the people to brush off vengeful feelings and forgive each
other in order to be able to start a new life and create a better
future.

Politically, Muslims are ready to forgive ABRI and the New
Order. However, the vast amounts of wealth illegally acquired by
Soeharto and his cronies is still intact, and is unlikely to be
used for the benefit of the people. Therefore, ABRI and the
bureaucracy should seriously work to save the state's money. ABRI
and the police also have to take firm measures against
corruption.

So far, ABRI has failed to maintain stability and order. The
eruption of violence in many regions recently makes this all too
obvious. ABRI must analyze and improve its performance, as the
people have placed their hopes on ABRI in the quest for peace and
stability.

DR. H. SALEH ALDJUFRI

Chairman, LPLI "Sunan Ampel"

Surabaya, East Java