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