Poso conflict and intelligence

Poso conflict and intelligence

From Media Indonesia

The communal conflict in Poso, Central Sulawesi, is a tragedy of humanity that should be solved by finding its fundamental causes. The discovery by intelligence that some of its perpetrators were formerly involved in the same rioting, and the arrests of several suspects in the attack on local villagers, indicate a heartening achievement by security authorities and a serious endeavor by the government to thoroughly settle the conflict.

In this context, observers and politicians should exercise restraint in making statements, to avoid subjective and tendentious comments without concrete evidence. The security apparatus should be given the opportunity to unveil the case. If suspicion is left unchecked, the world image of national intelligence, and Indonesia as a whole, will be spoiled.

For instance, Dr GJ Aditjondro's statement accusing intelligence personnel of being involved in the Poso conflict is highly illogical. One should not always put the Indonesian military and intelligence service in a corner.

The recent unveiling, capture and trial of culprits in the crimes against humanity prove that the security and intelligence personnel are not as bad as described by some political observers.

SUMIATI MUHID
Jakarta