Inaction in East Timor

Today in East Timor riots and violent acts committed by armed militia are simply allowed to take place by the police, who are actually responsible for security in the region. This reminds us of the May 1998 riot, also seemingly allowed to happen. The presence of the militia in East Timor has also reminded us of the presence of armed vigilantes (pam swakarsa in Indonesian), who were not only not swakarsa (self-initiated), because of their military protection, but also contributed nothing to security maintenance as they instead gave rise to disorder. Riots and violence seemingly supported by the suspicious spirit of militarism have never been thoroughly settled and the government seems to be completely unwilling to settle this matter.

Obviously the turmoils occurring in various places in Indonesia, like Aceh, Ambon and East Timor, are the result of the absence of leadership and the distrust in the leaders in this country. It seems that President Habibie and Minister of Defense and Security Gen. Wiranto have not realized that they are responsible for state security. They should at least feel ashamed that the country is still rocked by riots and turmoils, a condition indicating their incapability as leaders.

Unless they can find a thorough settlement to these problems, the possibility that they will remain top leaders of this country after the upcoming General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly will become more remote.

Hopefully, people's representatives entrusted to elect the next president will make their choice on the basis of popular aspirations shown in the June general election and not on political orchestration manipulating religious considerations, or even on bribery.

AMIR SIDHARTA

Jakarta