American pressure?

The government has suggested that the dispute between state- owned electricity company PLN and private investors involved in the Paiton I power project be settled out of court. As a consequence, PLN president Adhi Satriya, who has been a strong proponent of a legal settlement, chose to resign.

It has been reported that the government's decision to seek an out-of-court settlement in this case is the result of pressure exerted by the United States -- a superpower that portrays itself as a champion of lawfulness, a global policeman and defender of human rights.

When President Abdurrahman Wahid visited the U.S. some time ago he was apparently pressured by the American Exim Bank and former state secretary Warren Christopher into opting for an out- of-court settlement. Similar pressure was reportedly exerted by the American Export Trade Agency (ETA). According to Adhi Satriya, such pressure was exerted not only on the President, but also on Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie as chief director of PLN. (Adhi's) resignation as president of PLN is therefore seen by many as a defeat for President Abdurrahman in facing American pressure.

If pressure from the U.S. continues to be accommodated and the law is allowed to be pushed into the background, (Abdurrahman) must be ready to see his government lose its self-respect and its authority, and be seen as to overlook the importance of establishing the supremacy of the law as demanded by our reform movement.

By reasserting its autonomy to decide, and firmly establishing the supremacy of the law, the government must correct its mistake and reaffirm its honor and authority as the leading authority of a sovereign country.

-- Republika, Jakarta