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