Marcos, Chun and Soeharto

Marcos, Chun and Soeharto

From Warta Kota

In 1980, at the end of his reign, former Philippine president Marcos had to flee abroad. The people's power movement opposing Marcos' greed caused the armed forces to divide into two opposing groups.

The United States, as the Philippines' friend, "saved" Marcos and all his family, sheltering them in Hawaii. Mrs. Corazon Aquino, supported by the people's power, asked Marcos to step down. Corazon became president, dissension was avoided and the law was upheld.

The fate of South Korean president Chun Doo Hwan, who overthrew Park Chung Hee, didn't differ much. Chun was replaced by the corrupt and fierce Roh Tae Woo, but after Roh was replaced by Kim Dae Yung, Chun and Roh were brought to court.

The two presidents courageously faced the charges, were punished and then given pardons by the state. The law was upheld and the state became strong.

But in this country, former president Soeharto, who held power for 32 years, does not feel he was greedy and has declared himself innocent. How arrogant he is ! True, his achievements were many, but his mistakes were also many, though he can't be fully blamed.

But in facing the charges of the people, Soeharto is not as brave as Chun and Roh. Perhaps his courage is small because he is already old, or because our judicial system still follows the New Order, even though the regime is no longer strong.

To avoid lengthy conflicts, former president Soeharto and all his family should be flown abroad to a remote country. The trial of his children and cronies will be useless, because Soeharto is the key and he is no longer able to function. So, any trials would be in vain. To overcome this problem the government should take the middle way: national reconciliation and indemnity.

YONO

Jakarta