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