Naming names

Naming names

From Pelita

A newspaper recently quoted People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais as saying that provocateurs in the Maluku unrest include members of the political elite. The report said Rais possessed complete data on those who plotted the troubles.

I fear the statement may prove true. The conflict in Maluku -- touching on problems of ethnicity, religion, race and communal relations -- has persisted for a long time without any sign of abatement. It has claimed victims on both sides of the hostile groups and caused the destruction of property. It has wiped out the harmonious life the people created and maintained during many years because today the people cannot rein in their emotions. I am greatly concerned about the situation.

But I am also worried about the publication of Amien Rais' data. It would have been wiser if Rais did not hurriedly make the statement because it may stir up public feeling and worsen the situation.

If Amien Rais knows for sure the identity of the provocateurs in Maluku, he should submit the data to the pertinent agencies and authorities for further processing. Rais should not just make statements. We have often heard about the supposed provocateurs, but none has ever been caught.

The Maluku case should be solved immediately and conclusively.

DUDUNG SUPANGAT

Jakarta