Party leaders urge an end to political violence
Party leaders urge an end to political violence
SURABAYA (JP): The recent cases of political violence will
endanger the country's democratization and reform process and may
lead to a new form of tyranny, politicians said here on Monday.
Speaking in a seminar, Maj. Gen. (ret) Suwarno Adiwijoyo of
the National Awakening Party said he was concerned about a
tendency of many people who go overboard in undertaking reform,
including the use of force.
"We are learning and practicing democracy in our own way now.
We're no longer practicing the kinds of democracy applied during
the Old Order or the New Order.
"That's why the process for many is confusing and, moreover,
prone to anarchy. They shout, they burn and kill each other in
the name of democracy. Therefore we have to stop this kind of
violence," Suwarno said, adding that objectivity and patience is
essential.
Suwarno was invited to a seminar on political violence at
Surabaya University, along with National Awakening Party (PKB)
chairman Matori Abdul Djalil.
Matori was a victim of the alleged political violence when he
was attacked by a group of men at his private residence in South
Jakarta on March 5.
He suffered 30 stitches in his head and hand due to slash
wounds. Police have already declared suspects in this case and
have hinted that political motives were behind the attack.
"I believe certain groups angered by the idea of reform
started this violence and terror," Matori told the seminar,
refusing to elaborate any further.
"Like the previous conflicts between the Chinese and locals in
Surakarta, the killing spree of Muslim clerics in Banyuwangi,
communal clashes pitting Muslims against Christians in Maluku or
ethnic conflict between Madurese migrants and Dayak tribe in
Kalimantan, the violence is masterminded. Now it pits PKB
versus..," he said without finishing his words.
Matori strongly rejected conclusions that the murder attempt
on him was sparked by a personal matter.
"But I cannot rush either into an opinion that the incident
was totally politically motivated. That is why I leave it up to
Pak Rusdiharjo," he said, referring to the National Police chief.
He suggested that the police not jump into an early
conclusion.
"They must analyze the case based on clear evidence. Don't be
hasty. This is a risk that we have to bear in order to create a
more democratic society," Matori cautioned. He attended the
meeting under tight security
Other speakers were Golkar deputy chairman Theo Sambuaga and
his Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle counterpart Jacob
Tobing. (nur/edt)