Status of Akbar

Status of Akbar

From Warta Kota

I am really glad to hear that Akbar Tandjung has been named as a suspect in the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) fund scam. I'm merely stating that everyone is equal before the law. So, regardless of his status, race, religion, etc., any person who has been found guilty must be punished.

As in other cases, the principle of the presumption of innocence should also prevail in the case allegedly involving Akbar Tandjung. Being an alleged suspect does not mean that he instantly becomes a defendant because he is yet to be found guilty.

Yet, I am astonished to see that the naming of Akbar Tandjung as a suspect has raised many debates such as whether he should resign from his position as the speaker of the House of Representatives or not. I think he should temporarily leave his important office as this would expedite the legal process. Nevertheless, his honorable position is certainly not similar to that of common people. Law enforcers, whose quality has been formed over years, of course feel awkward about taking action against someone of higher status.

It seems that resigning from an office is a hard thing to do in Indonesia. Indeed it is difficult to leave a comfortable seat. Akbar Tandjung reserves the right to have his name rehabilitated and his position retained if he is in fact proven to be innocent.

AHMAD JUANG

Jakarta