One-track mind

I really have problems trying to understand the attitude and way of thinking of politicians in this reform era. Their way of thinking is like a labyrinth for me. If I am right then all of us are trying to create a new society based on democracy, law and order.

The 1945 Constitution, with some later amendments, is still valid, and so is the existence of the Republic of Indonesia, proclaimed on Aug. 17, 1945, stretching from Sabang till Merauke. So if we are all determined to honor the law, there is no choice but to stick to these laws at all costs and with all consequences.

So why are we thinking of having dialogs, meetings etc., with groups who have expressed loud and clear that they want independence from the republic; groups which have created their owned armed forces? My simple one-track mind has difficulties in understanding, let alone accepting, this separatist desire. They have even proclaimed the Islamic Republic of Sumatra.

Some years back the Darul Islam under Kartosuwirjo, backed by the Islamic Indonesian Army, also proclaimed an independent and sovereign state -- the Indonesian Islamic State. In Maluku, the Republic of South Maluku was also proclaimed. In those days negotiations or dialogs with separatists never entered the government's mind. They did the only right thing to do, which was to act resolutely and quell the rebellion. With my simple one- track mind I can understand and agree with these actions.

But my spirit received a new push when on Dec. 2 the Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Maj. Gen. Sudradjat said: "TNI will completely wipe out separatism. Indonesia's unity will be defended, if necessary with the sacrifice of blood and lives. We must deal resolutely with bandits who want separation."

The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) receives free propaganda from the domestic and foreign press, showing off their armed group, which comprises boys and women in uniforms and red berets, and carrying modern arms. (Where did they get the money to finance all that?)

This has gone too far; what is the government going to do? The longer it waits, the more complicated the situation will become. Foreign countries might interfere, making things worse, although the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have guaranteed that they will not support separatist movements.

The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has given TNI the task and duty of defending the republic's unity and integrity from attacks from abroad or from the domestic front. TNI will surely fulfill this responsibility at whatever cost. Aceh is a test case for the present government, which was democratically elected. So don't disappoint the Indonesian people, including TNI and the National Police.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta