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