Find the masterminds

Find the masterminds

Following the upheavals in Situbondo and Tasikmalaya -- two
Nahdatul Ulama (NU) strongholds -- NU chairman Abdurrahman Wahid
accused the instigators of the riots of acting to intentionally
discredit the organization.

Information received by the NU chairman apparently indicated
that a movement calling itself the Naga Hijau (Green Dragon) was
behind the two incidents.

In the present heated political situation pending the general
elections, an escalation of issues and accusations is to be
expected. Nevertheless, allegations or assumptions that have no
clear basis are like dangerous poison if they are allowed to
continue.

The assurance given by the Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief of Staff
for Social and Political Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid that ABRI
was not "playing with fire" and had no part in the recent riots
is a relief.

A more detailed and open explanation would probably help even
more to alleviate the confusion that now exists in our society
regarding the situation. It would be even more effective if ABRI
could bring to court the intellectual masterminds behind the
recent riots.

People would feel more reassured if the masterminds are
identified and punished. People naturally also hope that legal
action will be taken openly and without discrimination.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta