Law enforcement
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