Soeharto flaying must end: Analysts

Soeharto flaying must end: Analysts

JAKARTA (JP): Observers agree that the government should
dampen excessive public criticism of Soeharto after the former
president complained of being defamed, but also called for the
investigation into Soeharto's past to continue.

Golkar executive Fahmi Idris, United Development Party (PPP)
leader Tosari Widjaya and Moslem figure Cholil Bisri separately
agreed on Thursday that Soeharto's plea for government protection
against public condemnations was "normal" and should be followed
up with appropriate action.

The observers also pointed out that Soeharto's plea should not
divert the government from its investigation into allegations
that the former president had abused his power to amass wealth
for him and his family during his 32 years in power.

"The state is obligated to protect the safety of all its
citizens," Tosari was quoted by Antara as saying. "Even pedicab
drivers are entitled to legal protection against physical
threats, let alone a former president."

"However, the investigation should proceed," he said. "Let the
Attorney General's Office continue its probe into Pak Harto's
wealth."

Soeharto's legal advisory group, the Cendana Consultancy Team,
called on the government and the National Commission on Human
Rights on Wednesday to protect him from slanderous and
humiliating remarks.

The defamatory remarks could prejudice public opinion and
impinge on Soeharto's legal rights, lawyer Johannes Yacob said.

The rights commission responded on Thursday that should
Soeharto ask for the organization's protection, it would treat
him no differently than other people seeking its help. Deputy
chairman Marzuki Darusman, however, said the commission had yet
to receive such a request from Soeharto.

Even if Soeharto filed a complaint, the commission would
"first study it and put in its context proportionally", he said.

Tosari shrugged off Yacob's remarks that some people had gone
overboard in their condemnation of Soeharto. "I have yet to see
that," he said. "The public just wants (to express) that unless
legal actions are taken (against Soeharto) in a proportional way,
dissatisfaction will arise."

"The furor will stop if law enforcers take quick action," he
added. "Pak Harto himself should provide all the necessary
information, instead of evading (people's queries).

"His (recent) televised statement was an answer to some
people's questions (about his reported wealth) but it was not a
solution. It can only be solved in court."

Fahmi, who is minister of manpower, conceded that
condemnations continued against Soeharto because he had yet to
provide satisfactory explanations about his wealth and alleged
misuse of funds of the charitable foundations he chaired.

"People want numbers. He spoke qualitatively," Fahmi said,
referring to televised remarks by Soeharto denying he had money
stashed in banks overseas.

He suggested that all of Soeharto's relatives also come
forward and help explain the matter. "They all must explain how
much money had been collected and what it was spent on," he said.

Cholil Bisri, also a member of the Working Committee of the
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), urged Soeharto to declare
his wealth in a transparent way.

"If he follows (the teachings of the) Prophet Mohammad, he of
course has to specify that he has this and that," Bisri said,
commenting on the insults being hurled at the 77-year-old former
president over the issue that he had enriched himself while in
power.

Speaking on Soeharto's claim that he had no savings under his
own name, Bisri said it could be under other people's names.

The former president was able to build a house which
reportedly cost Rp 26 billion, he said.

Also on Thursday, Minister of Justice Muladi said the
government would not be able to stop the insults and
denouncements against Soeharto because only a court could settle
the allegations.

He pointed out that even Armed Forces (ABRI) commander Gen.
Wiranto could only provide physical protection, but not special
legal protection because, as an ordinary citizen, he did not have
any status enjoying extraordinary treatment.

He said only the acting president and vice president were
entitled to special treatment from the state.

"This is a private matter. So basically only Pak Harto himself
can file a lawsuit (against alleged slanderers)," Muladi noted.

The minister said Soeharto's current predicament was very
similar to former president Sukarno in 1967, especially after he
handed over power to Soeharto.

At that time, Sukarno suffered from fierce public criticism,
while the media reported extensively on his "sins" committed
during his tenure.

"Those who denounce Soeharto now are people who felt oppressed
during his rule," Muladi said.

Last Sunday, Soeharto, who was forced to resign on May 21
following bloody riots in Jakarta that killed at least 1,200
people, denied on TV that he had any money in foreign bank
accounts.

The program was broadcast nationwide by TPI, owned by his
eldest daughter, Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana. (swe/prb)