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