'Ewako'!

'Ewako'!

From Media Indonesia

A process of idolizing democracy is taking place in this country. A feeling of nervousness invades us when we see the sudden emergence of the people's sovereignty that is trying to find its shape. The feeling is tangible by the highly persistent waves of action conducted by students inside and outside their campuses and the voices of people who suddenly proclaim themselves reformists. All of this colors this year-end. But is the cost too high to be paid?

We also see the process of the investigation of former president Soeharto heading toward a formal court of justice to ensure legal certainty. The case was handled so sluggishly by the Attorney General's Office that a presidential instruction had to be issued. Prosecutor, isn't every citizen "entitled" to be brought to court? Would it not be worse if the court were held outside the building, where prosecution and sentencing could be intermingled?

It is said that formerly, not one single official in the system dared to differ in opinion or reject the views and decisions of former president Soeharto when he was in power. Soeharto's charisma and the "beauty of his lashes" apparently inspired fear, making everybody resort to playing safe so that nodding one's head became a compulsory movement.

The president's assistants and the House of Representatives should have played the role of advisers. It is regrettable that they did not function as such. Perhaps, in this (civilized) era of reform, apart from bringing cases of corruption, collusion and nepotism to court, apparently cases of cowardice also need to be forwarded for judgment.

Finally, based on the principle of the unity and cohesion of the nation, for democracy and law enforcement, let us call out, borrowing the expression from Pak Gagoek, Ewako! (no retreat)!

WAHYU HARDAYA

Bekasi, West Java