Generals sent to meet Nessen?

Generals sent to meet Nessen?

From Rakyat Merdeka

In the context of the circumstances now evolving in Aceh, we were annoyed to see how William Nessen, who claims to be a U.S. journalist, was met by two Indonesian generals when he left the hideout of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

The question is whether the government has shown that it has an inferiority complex simply because Nessen is a U.S. citizen. In Nessen's case, a sergeant would have been more appropriate.

Nessen lived among GAM members for close to three months. In fact, his visa only allowed him to cover economic issues in this country.

Rationally, you can stay quite a while with GAM members only if you significantly contribute to this movement. How could Nessen enjoy such a great freedom of movement in Aceh? Local journalists wishing to cover developments in Aceh have to go through a tight selection.

Nessen is married to Shadia, the legal wife of Salahuddin Al Fatah, 50, the director of Seulawah Air. Shadia and Salahuddin were married in 1991 and have three children. They lived in Tanjung Mas housing estate in South Jakarta. Their marriage soured in 1999, especially after Salahuddin was stationed in Houston, Texas, in the U.S. Nessen appeared on the scene and married Shadia.

In 2001, Shadia filed for divorce at the South Jakarta District Court, but Salahuddin rejected it. Shadia filed an appeal and a higher court has yet to make a ruling. This means that Shadia is still the lawful wife of Salahuddin. Understandably, Salahuddin is under great pressure.

Obviously, Nessen has ruined Salahuddin's marriage. This man will likely do harm to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

It is unclear to us why he visited Aceh. The security forces should not easily believe what he says.

Clearly, he has broken this country's laws and should be prosecuted. Indonesia is a sovereign country, isn't it?

TEUNGKU DAUD YUSUF, Jakarta