Ambon flare-up and former ministers

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