'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