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