Maluku burning

Maluku burning

From Sinar Pagi

It is indeed pathetic to see the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) compelled to continually fight the culprits in Maluku.

Many sides have appealed to the government, TNI and the police to immediately take steps to halt the clashes. Apparently, the appeal has not been heeded and there is even the impression that the government is nonchalant in handling the case, while TNI is always ready act on the President's orders.

President Abdurrahman Wahid visited Ambon on Dec. 12, 1999, to listen to community representatives and local government officials. It is regrettable that the President could only transfer the handling of the problems to the Maluku citizens themselves. Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri has been entrusted to handle various cases in the eastern part of Indonesia, but she too has not taken any action.

The tragedy of Maluku has become highly complex. Much time is needed to render the situation safe and bring it under control. Whatever the situation, the military and police must continue to fight tirelessly to defend the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia.

ELA HENDRIK AN

Banyumas, Central Java