Law enforcement

Indonesian people are still in a festive mood because at last they have gotten rid of a government they neither liked, trusted nor supported.

I think one of the most important things which makes the Indonesian people happy and acceptive the present duo of Abdurrahman Wahid and Megawati Soekarnoputri is the fact that they have replaced a noncredible government, but our new duo should be careful and realize that the political honeymoon cannot last long. The people expect fast and resolute actions in fulfilling their demands as expressed through recent demonstrations.

What are the most important demands of the people? In one word it is law enforcement. It includes: 1. Bringing Soeharto and his cronies before a revitalized and clean court. 2. Wiping out corruption, collusion and nepotism. The Bank Bali scandal dominates the scene because it has its implications far beyond our national boundaries. 3. Abolishing the dual function of the Indonesian Military (TNI).

In my opinion No. 1 and 2 are the most urgent problems which should be tackled first because they will restore the government's credibility and in so doing strengthen the people's support. Reorganization of the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General's Office and the National Police is vital, because if you read the magazines and newspapers, their credibility and popularity are now at rock bottom.

The dual function of TNI, compared to those two law problems, is much easier because TNI itself is very cooperative in this matter. The slogan: "What is good for the people is good for TNI" is self explanatory.

I am not saying that the economy and politics are occupying second position. I only want to say that law enforcement compared to economic and political improvements is easier because all the "ingredients" are in our hands, while economic and political recovery includes, in some cases, foreign help and understanding which needs intensive lobbying.

So I appeal to our national leadership to show their political will in tackling this law enforcement problem.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta