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