Tommy and Saenah

A drama took place in the South Jakarta District Court last Wednesday. Saenah, a simple servant, gave testimony implicating the defendant Hutomo Mandala Putra, and in return received a disguised threat from the youngest son of former president Soeharto.

Saenah and another witness, Hetty Siti Hartika, allegedly were coached by Tommy's defense lawyers to portray a scenario that would exonerate Tommy from the charge of masterminding the murder of judge Syafiuddin Kartasasmita.

Under these circumstances, Saenah's testimony was truly uplifting. Her frank, simple and unpretentious statements showed that honesty still exists in the Republic. Her courage to tell the truth despite the alleged pressure and material offers is praiseworthy; an act which deserves to be described as heroism.

Saenah, perhaps, does not feel that she is a heroine. She only wishes to tell the truth, put this confusing situation behind her and return to her normal life. Yet, what villains we are if we pretend not to understand that Saenah's life is now in danger. A 23-year-old woman has been threatened by Tommy Soeharto in front of a panel of judges and hundreds of people attending the hearing. Imagine, if a judge can be murdered in public what will happen to a simple woman like Saenah?

Therefore, we are obliged to protect Saenah.

-- Koran Tempo, Jakarta