To Gen. Wiranto

From Gatra

I am deeply concerned about the various riots in the provinces and big cities in Indonesia. The shooting of Trisakti University students; the May 13 to May 15 riots in Jakarta; the torching of houses and shops; the looting of ethnic-Chinese property in Medan, Pontianak, Kebumen, Lhokseumawe; the killing of hundreds of religious teachers and Nahdlatul Ulama clerics in Banyuwangi under the accusation of being black magic practitioners.

I am deeply saddened by the declining role of the Armed Forces (ABRI). It gives the impression of slowness in anticipating the situation, hence the great number of innocent victims. The problem of ABRI's dwifungsi (dual role) during the reign of a corrupt government, causing the collapse of the nation's economy, has not been solved and now the community asks again about ABRI's failure to carry out its national function of defense and security to create a sense of safety for Indonesian citizens.

I have followed your statements that tend to be confusing. On the one hand you have ordered ABRI personnel to create security, but on the other it is on the decline and riots are rampant. Also, your statement that you would protect former president Soeharto and his family has influenced legal institutions in their probes into cases of corruption, collusion and nepotism committed by Soeharto and his cronies. These acts resulted in hundreds or trillions of rupiah in losses to the Indonesian people.

As a high officer you are fully responsible for all the cases, to the nation, the state and even more to God Almighty.

By this letter I request you:

Give a thorough explanation via the media on all the riots which gave rise to chaos and anxiety among the people.

Explain the plans to handle such riots in order that they do not become worse and destroy the nation's future.

Investigate and take stern steps against the brains and the perpetrators, both ABRI members and civilians, involved in the Banyuwangi killings. I fear that if this matter is not seriously handled, it is likely to spread throughout Indonesia and give rise to a national conflict that may wreck the stability and strength of the nation and the state.

I am convinced that the whole Indonesian population is longing for a professional and strong ABRI so it can lead the people and bring them to a long-lasting stability and security.

The people are eagerly awaiting your statement to the whole nation as a guarantee of future safety in the country.

H. SALEH ALDJUFRI

Surabaya