Ambon flare-up and former ministers

The Ambon flare-up, at least in theory, could have been prevented if the central government had not been weakened by the resignation from the Megawati Cabinet of two coordinating ministers in charge of security and social welfare.

Many observers acknowledge that the root causes of the sectarian violence in Ambon and the emerging social problems of displaced people, despite the Malino Agreement and in Sulawesi the Poso Accord, have not been removed, and therefore it was not timely for the two ministers to resign.

After so much death and destruction following the clashes, I am curious to know if this tragic fact is nagging at their consciences. Politically, they can wash their hands in innocence but morally they cannot be declared clean, can they?

For the simple-minded, it appears that they have abandoned an unfinished job in the name of democracy. Do they believe that there will be nothing left of separatist movements, sectarian violence, poverty, unemployment or terrorist threats as soon as they assume their new posts as president or vice president of the country?

It is tragic that so many political opportunists, instead of far-sighted and unselfish future statesmen, are now running for the presidency and vice presidency in the false perception that only a change in the top positions can radically remove the ills among 200 million people and stop abuse of power instantly. The two former cabinet ministers have made no comment on the latest upheavals. In fact, they have become immobile and their experience and skill has been wasted at a time of crisis.

Against this background, praise must be made of the Indonesian Military (TNI) chief, who has declined offers leading to the vice presidency. He argues that his services are still needed by the country and that one can serve the national cause in any position.

GANDHI SUKARDI Jakarta