To Gen. Wiranto

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