Reconciliation idea dubious

The Jakarta Post reported on Sept. 5 that the government and the National Commission on Human Rights will establish a National Reconciliation Team. Its aim is to preserve the country's unity.

Some people fear, however, that the team will only be used for covering up painful truths existing in government and business circles in the name of reconciliation.

A process of reconciliation involves two or more parties that are having a serious conflict or confrontation; whereas, up till now, there is no conflict between the government and the commission, which itself was formed by the government.

The prerequisites of reconciliation are that the two pertaining parties must fully realize their wrongdoings or mistakes and eventually publicize them. This is followed by an expression of remorse with an apology. Finally, genuine regret should be judged by the preparedness of not only to accept full responsibility but also to undergo pertinent (legal) punishment and by stating a commitment that the wrongdoings will never be repeated.

The firm basis for the establishment of a reconciliation team is mutual trust and respect. This can only be achieved through a solution of the underlying causes of the conflict where justice prevails, unmarred by corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Without trust and respect, reconciliation is as dubious as it is between corruptors, plunderers, arsonists, abductors, rapists on the one hand and those victimized on the other.

MUHERMAN HARUN

Jakarta