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)