Kofi Annan's statement

Kofi Annan's statement

From Pelita

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in
Indonesia only one day after coordinating minister for political
affairs and security Gen. Wiranto was suspended from office by
President Abdurrahman Wahid. This near coincidence must be
questioned and reflected upon. It is no secret that human rights
issues -- which are now being intensively spotlighted both at
home and abroad, particularly regarding the alleged involvement
of a number of Army generals of the Indonesian Military (TNI) in
human rights violations allegedly committed after the popular
vote on the future of East Timor -- are not free from foreign or
UN intervention.

It is no exaggeration to say, it seems, that the visit to
Indonesia of the UN secretary-general was intended to celebrate
his victory and success in meddling in Indonesia's internal
affairs under the pretext of human rights, or perhaps simply to
congratulate the government by awarding it a "gift" in the form
of assurances that it will not be necessary for the generals
allegedly involved in human right violations in East Timor to be
taken before an international tribunal.

Those who are favor of other nations meddling in their affairs
by other nations may find comfort in the statement of UN
secretary-general and consider it a promise for the upholding of
human rights in Indonesia. However, those who really understand
the difficulty of upholding human rights in Indonesia know full
well that the statement is a blow to the government. The reason
is that foreign quarters, in this case the UN, know precisely
that a human rights tribunal in Indonesia will never run well.

Regardless of whether or not there is a political conspiracy
at home and abroad, it must be realized that there are many
obstacles to upholding human rights. Sincere awareness and
honesty on the part of law enforcement apparatuses and the
community are still far from adequate. Therefore, we can be sure
that the UN will use this fact as a reason for taking over the
organization of an international tribunal on human rights for
those who allegedly violated human rights in East Timor,
including the generals whose names have been recommended for
investigation by the National Commission on Human Rights.

Therefore, those responsible for running the government must
always be aware and alert and also act wisely in dealing with
this matter. Don't sell the dignity of this nation under the
pretext of defending the people's interests while the ulterior
motive is fulfilling one's wild ambition.

SISWO WARDOYO

Bogor, West Java