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