In step with the times

In step with the times

As many as 12 members of the Indonesian Armed Forces will be
put before a military tribunal. It is considered that the 12
soldiers reacted excessively in facing student demonstrators, who
were protesting the increase in public transport fares, in
Ujungpandang. The incident left three students dead and a number
of other individuals injured. It was the commander of Military
Region VII/Wirabuana, Maj. Gen. Sulatin, who announced this
decision to the press on Saturday.

The commander's action was quick and correct. His appeal for
everybody to exercise restraint so as not to cause more trouble
deserves our attention and support. In accordance with the
principles and procedures of the law, let the military tribunal
take over the investigation, conduct the trial and afterwards
pronounce its verdict in the case.

We appreciate the quick action taken by the Wirabuana military
leadership. By putting 12 of its members on trial the regional
military command has proved it is not covering up the facts.

The inquiry made by the National Commission on Human rights
has had a share in the developments. Possibly, too, the spreading
displays of solidarity among students with the Ujungpandang
incident has been a consideration. Still, the commander's
decision was taken independently after investigations
by a military fact finding team.

It is this quick and correct action which we applaud. Aside
from showing that it is being honest about the facts, this case
also shows that the regional military leadership is responsive
towards the public's aspirations.

-- Kompas, Jakarta