Subversion trial

While I realize that it is generally unusual for expatriates such as myself to comment on events that occur here, I could not help but be shocked by an article under the heading Students to face subversion trial that appeared on Dec. 4, 1996.

In this article, it was stated that three young students, one of them apparently a 24-year-old woman, face the possibility of the death penalty for their involvement in a peaceful labor demonstration calling for an increase in minimum wages for workers. The chief prosecutor in the case was reported as describing the dossiers as "perfect" and then went on to state that the three defendants had undermined the government by holding a "meeting to discuss changes in the five political laws, replacement of the President and raising minimum wage levels ... The demonstrators not only demanded better welfare for workers, but also demanded political reforms. That is unacceptable."

Is the implication of the above that the holding of a peaceful demonstration, demanding higher wages for workers and calling for political reform constitutes a capital crime in Indonesia?

Indonesian prosecutors may not yet have realized it, but in most countries, discussions about political reform, the peaceful transfer of power, calls for improvement of workers' welfare and even non-violent demonstrations and labor strikes are considered normal and natural features of a healthy, buoyant society that is geared toward improving the condition of its citizens.

Also, as foreign investors in this country, we do not come here just to exploit cheap, unskilled labor. We would much prefer to deal with Indonesian workers who are skilled, productive, responsible and creative and to pay them adequate remuneration commensurate with these enhanced capabilities that they can contribute to our ventures.

Indonesian diplomats abroad already have their hands full attempting to explain to the wider community issues such as East Timor, the July 27 riots and other human rights matters that have attracted considerable international scrutiny. Why burden them now with these subversion trials that are only likely to further aggravate the country's already tarnished international image?

If Indonesia really wants to earn the respect that it rightfully deserves in the world and the riches of foreign investment that go with it, the country should be seen moving away from the political dark ages of subversion trials that are actually more reminiscent of the type of regimes that the New Order government has attempted to protect Indonesia against.

ROGER SMITH

Jakarta