Probing Soeharto useless

Probing Soeharto useless

From Merdeka

It is interesting to read the analyses regarding the latest situation written by Norman Diah, Nurcholish Madjid and Setiawan Djodi in Merdeka, Nov. 30, 1998, particularly on Soeharto's role, as also revealed by Amien Rais (Merdeka, Dec. 2, 1998) in the article Amien Rais: True, Cendana is at play.

The above pieces reveal that the recent riots, the last two being in Ketapang and Kupang, have been masterminded by the same people and perpetrated by the same groups. Allegedly, the Cendana (street name where Soeharto lives) family is involved in all these riots. The community, meanwhile, believes that certain people must have orchestrated and financed the riots.

It seems that the Soehartos are indeed strong and certainly they do not just give in. They will mobilize forces from inside and outside the structure. So, it is also true to say that there is no point in setting up an independent commission to probe Soeharto's assets because this will be a waste of time and money. Besides, Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Chief Gen. Wiranto has given his word, guaranteeing the safety of the Soehartos. So, obviously, Soeharto will never be put on trial. A trial of Soeharto may take place if there is a change of government after the 1999 general election.

Therefore, Nurcholish Madjid is right when he says that it is better to postpone the probe into Soeharto's assets until after the 1999 general election. There is fear that leading up to the general election, students will intensify their demonstrations. And as the community continues to denounce the presence of the Armed Forces (ABRI), particularly with intensified demands appearing in the press that ABRI should return to its barracks, ABRI will have the heart to fight against the students and most of the community in their struggle for justice. We only hope that ABRI will not do so.

HAJI G. MALIKMASS

Jakarta