Doing away with the rebels

Doing away with the rebels

How are the hostages kidnapped by Irian Jaya separatist rebels going to be freed?

It is clear that this is terrorism. Taking innocent people for political purposes is not going to pay in international politics. The whole world condemns terrorism.

Such is the stance of the Indonesian government. Our leaders will not give into any kind of political extortion, whether it is in Irian Jaya, Aceh or East Timor.

Political officials in Indonesia never dispute three things: First, the unity of the nation should be defended at all costs. Second, interference in domestic issues in intolerable. And third, there will be no compromises in handling cases such as terrorism.

Rebel leader Kelly Kwalik made a wrong calculation when he thought that his demands would be met through kidnapping. The Armed Forces are tracking all possible locations in order to spare the lives of the hostages.

The sooner the problem is resolved the better. The world understands that every nation has the right to protect its national interests. Maybe now is the right moment to get rid of the Irian Jaya rebels once and for all.

-- Republika, Jakarta