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