Gen. Wiranto's Berlin Wall?

Gen. Wiranto, chief of the Indonesian Military, has finally turned his attention to Ambon, and the idea he has proposed is territorial separation of Christians and Muslims. What? How? Does he envision a kind of Indonesian Berlin Wall in Ambon?

If Mr. Wiranto is so preoccupied with his personal legal jeopardy and his defense in a possible upcoming trial for human rights abuse that he cannot think more effectively about matters of state strategy, maybe he should step aside as coordinating minister, at least until his investigation is concluded. Such a move would also save President Abdurrahman Wahid the embarrassment of having to ask for Wiranto's resignation.

DONNA K. WOODWARD

Medan, North Sumatra