Do not give Tommy clemency

Do not give Tommy clemency

From Kontak

Nearly everyone in this country particularly in big cities like Jakarta and Medan has been waiting for what will happen to Tommy Soeharto these days.

If I may say something about Tommy's seeking the President's clemency, I hereby suggest to President Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, not to grant him clemency. Why? Because if the President does, it will have a bad impact on the whole society of Indonesia. People will see Tommy enjoying fresh air and freedom whereas actually they have wanted to see him jailed for a long time, and they will call the trial of Tommy a big lie. They will conclude that only the little, poor and powerless people are jailed while the rich and those who can pay will never be jailed. It is as if the rich and powerful are always free.

In my opinion, Gus Dur's reputation and his administration's credibility are indeed at stake. I'm telling Gus Dur now, if you make a wrong decision that hurts people, this time do not expect that people will forgive you. And it will take a very long time before their disappointment and feelings of bitterness and indignation disappear.

On the other hand, if Gus Dur allows him to be jailed the people will support him all the time.

HARA SIMORANGKIR

Jakarta