Set all political prisoners free!
Set all political prisoners free!
To President B.J. Habibie: Former president Soeharto appointed
you to replace him when the state's political situation was very
difficult and critical. Therefore, we can imagine how difficult
is the burden that you are shouldering today, especially with the
political crisis dragging on, the economic crisis worsening, the
legal crisis remaining uncertain, and the continued crisis of
confidence on the part of the people and the international
community.
Unfortunately, your first step in electing ministers as your
assistants has indeed become another problem because the people
find the capacity and credibility of some ministers questionable.
It seems that you did not quite, or could not, take into account
the demand for total reform, which is a popular demand voiced by
university students.
Your decision to set free political prisoners is quite
pleasing. However, the realization of this decision and the
official statements made afterward have become a big question
mark to us. If indeed the decision has been made for the sake of
the image of the "Order of Reform" in enforcing the law and
upholding justice and humanity, why haven't all political
prisoners been set free? Why must there be exceptions? Our notes
are as follows:
1. If the amnesty granted to Sri Bintang Pamungkas and Muchtar
Pakpahan on May 26, 1998 is intended to draw the sympathy of the
international community, particularly with respect to creditors,
because these two figures are considered to have a high value,
then it is certainly a mistake. The international community,
including business circles, is not stupid. Just like Indonesian
people themselves, the international community no longer
tolerates cheating. All wish to see the proof of sincerity in
political will and firmness in political action in setting free
all political prisoners, the victims of the Soeharto regime.
2. The amnesty for Nuku Sulaiman and Andi Syahputra and the
leniency shown toward Karlina Leksono, Gadis Arivia and Wilasih
Noviana on May 28, 1998 are nothing more than part of a play
devoid of humor. Why? Andi and Nuku would have soon completed
their entire jail terms, while Karlina, Gadis Arivia and Wilasih,
detained three days for a demonstration against milk prices which
they held at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in February 1998,
were fined Rp 2,250 by the Central Jakarta District Court in
March.
3. The exceptions, particularly with respect to political
prisoners allegedly related to the aborted communist coup in
1965, show that the decision was only halfheartedly made.
Concerning this last category, we see the presence of
excessive and improper political vengeance and the absence of
justice and humanity in the conscience of this country's rulers.
Why not release them, they all have served over 30 years in
prison! They are all over 70 years old and are in poor health.
Having put down the above notes, we, who provide services to
prisoners, would like to call on you to demonstrate sincere
political will, justice and humanity in settling the problem of
political prisoners. Set free all, i.e. without exception,
political detainees/convicts. Restore their self-respect as
Indonesians.
As people of faith, we believe that all religions teach loving
kindness and repentance. Let us prove that the Indonesian people
are a highly cultured nation with a noble sense of humanity.
GUSTAF DUPE
Executive Secretary
Working Group for Service to Prisoners
Jakarta