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