Eliminating violence

Eliminating violence

From Sinar Pagi

Since its proclamation of independence on Aug. 17, 1945, the Republic of Indonesia has experienced ups and downs in the form of revolts.

The country's natural riches will certainly remain the target of foreign countries. The system of colonization in the physical sense is not possible because outsiders do not now face the Indonesian nation, but also the other nations in the world.

Ambon, with its balance of two groups with different social statuses and religious convictions, is a region that can be induced toward unrest.

In this context, I think that political as well as religious leaders should not emotionally be carried away and declare the spirit of a jihad.

One thing possibly passing undetected by prominent figures in Jakarta are the aspirations of prominent figures in Maluku, which shackle the movements of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Police (Polri). One such figure among others, Idrus Tatuhey, from the Muslim community says that the riots in Ambon cannot be solved with a military approach. A military approach can be translated as violence, while its purpose is actually to eliminate violence; the only institutions that are allowed to carry and use firearms are TNI and Polri, and even then, these arms are not be used if there is no danger or threat against security personnel or the community. Now the military, supported by the police, are entering critical areas, but the umbrella of protection has given rise to doubts whether they can act.

The people are fed up with the rhetoric of Amien Rais and others. The TNI should no longer postpone the settlement of problems in Ambon, Irian Jaya, Aceh, etc. Any further delay will make the people think the TNI might be behind the riots in this country.

HARUN HANISE

Jakarta