Soeharto's residence

Soeharto's residence

From Media Indonesia

Attorney General Marzuki Darusman's plan to move former
president Soeharto from Jl. Cendana No 1 to another house for
safety reasons and to prevent him from becoming the target of
violent demonstrations has been reacted strongly by Anton Tabah.

Terbit quoted him as saying: "Marzuki's effort to remove
former president Soeharto doesn't only insult his family, but
more importantly, he has underestimated the function of the
police. Because only the police can declare Soeharto's residence
safe or not. Not the Attorney General", said Anton Tabah,
secretary to former president Soeharto.

Terbit also reported that Anton Tabah reminded President
Abdurrahman Wahid and his ministers, including the Attorney
General, not to take unpopular action that may insult Soeharto's
family. According to Anton, who is a special assistant to the
police chief on political affairs, if he failed to pacify
Soeharto's loyal sympathizers, there could be a backlash which
could result in bloodshed. "Do we want that to happen?", Anton
asked.

I view that this statement of Anton Tabah as provocative in
nature. And he spoke beyond his area of responsibility. Since
when was he appointed as the spokesman of former president
Soeharto? Even Soeharto's family has not made such a statement.
It could be that Soeharto's relatives agreed to the Attorney
General's plan, so they made no comment. "Why are making such a
fuss about it?"

"Mr. Anton, does your conscience say that Soeharto is free
from the practice of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN)?"
"So is there no legitimacy for the law enforcers to investigate
him?

"Don't think you are a hero by making such provocative
statements as bloodshed could happen if Soeharto's loyal
followers mean it. Why don't you make more favorable statements,
in which no mutual suspicion exists among the Police, the
presidential group and the Attorney General, as well as among
members of society.

SAFRI BH SUMPUL

Bekasi, West Java