TNI remains target of condemnation

TNI remains target of condemnation

From Panji Masyarakat

What has happened in the last few days in the Halmahera islands of Maluku is ironic. Hundreds of Muslims became the victims of acts of violence by non-Muslims. The issue of the human rights of the victims has apparently not attracted the attention of the people who always claim to be civilized. Where have our state apparatuses gone? Where are the human rights activists? Yet they rigorously claim that they are human rights champions.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has been alleged to have violated human rights in East Timor after the self-determination referendum there. In fact, TNI should be given the legitimacy to act firmly and responsibly without being haunted by the issue of human rights violations.

The involvement of our nation in the issue of human rights violations after the ballot in East Timor clearly indicates how the Western world plays a significant role in determining when and who should be defended in relation to human rights violations. With our involvement in this issue and the imbalanced, unjust and unfair allegations against TNI, it can indirectly be taken to mean that, prior to the referendum in East Timor, the idea of human rights did not exist on Indonesian soil.

This situation is easily understood by the fact that non- governmental organizations are funded by Western countries and those who are employed in the National Commission on Human Rights are grossly anti-TNI. In this context, whatever the TNI does and does not do will always be blamed.

Given the prevailing situation, it is high time Indonesian Muslims realized the difficult times we are facing with our national dignity and integrity at stake, and the crucial need for all religious groups to maintain tolerance and mutual understanding.

R. MEDANTO BUDOYO K.

Jakarta