One-track mind

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