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