JP/4/other6

JP/4/other6

Abduction, again

Once again, we have to face the bitter fact that abduction is
still on the rise, the latest case being the kidnapping of four
ulemas and an official of the transportation office. This
incident followed their meeting with President Megawati
Soekarnoputri in Banda Aceh.

All the hostages have been released, but this has not eased
public anxiety. Security personnel have always accused the
separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) of being the perpetrator of
the abductions, which the latter has always denied.

So who is responsible for the abductions? Besides God, only
the perpetrator knows.

The situation in Aceh is like a tousled yarn. Anything could
be done by any party for its own interest. Thus, it is important
to unravel the tousled yarn to see clearly who the perpetrator
is.

The government could start to meet its promises by
constructing school buildings, hospitals, and other public
facilities. If GAM is consistent with its statement, it will not
destroy the buildings.

Abduction and murder are cruel. Failure to disclose their
perpetrators will only make the situation worse, as both the
government and GAM will continue trading accusations.

It seems that the government must bear responsibility in
disclosing all criminal acts. Perpetrators of the killings and
abductions are the enemy of both GAM and the government.
Most importantly, GAM and security personnel should not fight
each other.

Republika, Jakarta.