Pardoning political prisoners

Pardoning political prisoners

In a discussion at the Universitas 17 Augustus in Surabaya
recently, Dr. Roeslan Abdulgani suggested that the government
consider granting amnesties to political prisoners who are still
in prison, particularly those who of advanced age, as a symbol of
the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence. The idea has
reportedly already been submitted to the anniversary committee,
which is led by the Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono.

After it was published by the press, the suggestion met with
various reactions from, among others, members of the House of
Representatives and the National Commission on Human Rights.

The comments from House members have generally been
understandably cautious. Cak Roes (Roeslan Abdulgani) seemed well
aware of the sensitive nature of the issue. He said: "I very much
oppose their (Soebandrio's and Omar Dhani's) policies. But, as a
great nation, we now should be able to forgive them." This is all
the more true because the world's political situation has
drastically changed.

We hope Cak Roes's idea, and the public discussion that has
followed, can expand Indonesians' perception and prompt those in
charge to examine the issue with care, wisdom and good judgment.

Without losing our wariness and caution, considering the
possible political effects, this suggestion deserves to be viewed
in correct proportion.

We strongly believe that the government and the members of the
50th anniversary committee are capable of giving it fair
consideration. The decision should be explained to the public to
enable Indonesians to understand, accept and support the measures
taken.

-- Surabaya Post, Surabaya