Terror against Wardah

Terror against Wardah

The New Order is back in strength. Evidence of this can be
seen, among other things, in the use of terror to intimidate an
activist who has had the courage to exert social control. The
person suffering this terrorization at present is Wardah Hafidz,
coordinator of the Urban Poor Consortium.

It was Wardah who, as reported by the media, dared to expose
the money politics maneuvers by Golkar and the People's
Sovereignty Party (PDR). This was done by misappropriating social
safety net money.

Wardah was not just talking big. This woman went before the
public armed not just with an outspoken tongue but with evidence
gathered through investigation. And even though the judiciary
institutions in this country are still far from fair and
principled, she declared herself ready to be taken to court over
the matter -- a sensible and civil challenge. But what was the
answer she got back? Terrorism.

The tools of power that succeeded to preserve the New Order
for so long in the past are once again being applied. Systematic
terror is an "ism" in itself. It thrives mainly among fascists
and in totalitarian political systems. Terrorism in its various
gradations can cripple the best of humanitarian aspects. That is
why terrorism is effective for suppressing criticism, smothering
discord and purging all opposition to smooth the way for the
totalitarian power to advance.

How long will this last? This is an immaterial question, since
history is filled with the graves of fascist regimes and
totalitarian systems.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta