Dialog must be maintained

Dialog must be maintained

Although there is a long way to go before all the wrongs
imposed on the Indonesian people can be addressed, the political
reforms begun by the government of President B.J. Habibie offer
hope of a national healing process. Withdrawing combat troops
from East Timor, and the promised withdrawal next month from the
province of Aceh in northern Sumatra, are both hopeful signs
which could set the scene for a more conciliatory atmosphere
between separatists and the central government. Talks between
Indonesia and Portugal may succeed in finding a compromise for
East Timor, although Indonesia's demand for international
recognition of sovereignty is likely to prove a difficult
stumbling block.

A particularly striking sign of the new mood was the apology
by Defense Minister Gen. Wiranto to the people of Aceh for human
rights abuses by troops during the insurgency, when hundreds were
allegedly tortured and killed. As with the reports of murder and
rape against Chinese during the spring, a willingness to face up
to past crimes and to punish those responsible will be an
essential element in real progress. Even former president
Soeharto's son-in-law has been called before a military council
for questioning.

Given the depth of Indonesia's economic troubles, it is
essential for the government to maintain the process of dialog
and national reconciliation across the board.

President Habibie and those around him -- including the Army
-- will have to bring into question policies which were central
to the Soeharto regime. That will not be easy, but it is
essential if the country is to move ahead.

-- South China Morning Post, Hong Kong