Confusing, indeed

Confusing, indeed

From Rakyat Merdeka

The presence of security personnel keeping guard around the residence of the New Order ruler Soeharto is a very confusing matter. One gets the impression they are not under the control of President Abdurrahman Wahid.

Just like the students and many other people in this country, the President would like very much to see Soeharto brought before the court. Unfortunately, official security officers (reportedly from the National Police) are trying hard to prevent Soeharto from being taken to court. Besides the official security guards, there are quite a few unofficial security guards carrying out their "duty" with pride.

The positions of these security guards became more confusing with the President's instruction that they must all be disarmed. Whether or not these security guards are official, this instruction is obviously confusing and overstated. One may ask, therefore, what is the purpose of the regional police chief, the National Police chief, the regional military commander or the capital's military commander and the chief of the Indonesian Military?

Besides, it is also highly confusing and hurting to witness the police taking stern action against the students, who represent the people's desire to see Soeharto taken to court, but being soft on Soeharto's supporters. What does this mean, then?

RIYANTO

Jakarta