The teflon general

If Gen. Wiranto were an American, this is what he would be called: The teflon general. One week the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calls for a war crimes tribunal to examine the atrocities of Wiranto's subordinate commanders and troops in East Timor, and the following he is the center of speculation as a presidential or vice presidential candidate.

In fact, there is every reason to believe that the leading so-called "reform" party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), is eager to welcome him as a vote-getting partner to Megawati in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). If Wiranto cannot control his own military, what kind of a president -- or vice president to a puppet president -- will he make? If he is lacking the courage and capability to lead the military into the 21st century, can he lead the rest of Indonesia there?

This man who seemed so professional and promising, who in May 1998 seemed so willing to put the interests of the nation before personal ambition or sectarian military interests, has taken off his camouflage and showed his real identity. He is a military elite in the mold of his predecessors. If his security law is passed, others may not have the chance to write words like this about Wiranto or others, and that may be among the mildest consequences of his new law.

If he becomes Megawati's vice president, will he charm her into letting his bullying military cronies have their way in places like Aceh, where the military's alleged control of the illegal logging industry is leading to the devastation of Gunung Leuser National Park? And if this protege of Soeharto enters the presidential or vice presidential palace, and Bapak (Father) or his anak-anak (children) want his ear, won't they assuredly have it?

Should the unthinkable happen and Golkar name him its presidential candidate, Indonesia will be returned to a rule by force and fear, militarism and cronyism, just as those scourges of human development promised to be brought under control in Indonesia. Don't let this happen, Indonesia.

DONNA K. WOODWARD

Medan, North Sumatra