Guterres a patriot?
Guterres a patriot?
I am staggered by the support shown to Eurico Guterres, who is
now being paraded before us as a true Indonesian patriot. This
same man was quoted two years ago as saying that he just wanted
to be left in peace to drink and gamble. But now, according to
Amien Rais, four legislators from the House of Representatives
and a host of other respectable people and publications, Eurico
Guterres must be lauded as a hero of the Indonesian people. In
the search for a heroic figure, some people in Indonesia are
unfortunately scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Is patriotism in Indonesia now exemplified by the ruthless
slaughter of unarmed people, whether they are women, men or
children? Is heroism defined by barbarian acts, bravery embodied
in the terrorizing of people who don't happen to share the same
point of view? Does Indonesia now proudly exhibit thugs as
patriots?
It is common knowledge that "patriots" are paid a fee for the
severed heads of their enemies in Maluku. Let us not forget the
many "patriot" that have "bravely" beaten people half to death
and then burn them alive because they stole a chicken, or just
happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
If Amien Rais wishes to portray Guterres as a patriot and a
hero, then perhaps he should consider a statue of Guterres, to be
placed at a strategic location in the heart of Jakarta for all to
see. Have this 27-year-old thug cast in bronze, wearing the
militia uniform and standing tall and proud over the bones of his
victims? It is unlikely that Guterres' crimes will see the light
of day because crimes of this magnitude are more often than not
hidden beneath a mantle of legitimacy. Thugs become heroes,
greedy men become legislators and innocent people become victims.
But if Guterres' crimes are exposed to the light of day, then
it will be because of the courage and patriotism of a few people
here in Indonesia who do not kowtow to thugs and greedy men, and
who believe in justice and the freedom of choice. They are the
heroes, Mr. Amien Rais, and you no longer stand among them
although I once believed that you were a good man. So much for
hindsight.
I hope that Eurico Guterres will get what he has wanted all
along, to be left alone in peace to drink and gamble. In prison!
J.C. TORR
Jakarta