Unclear issues in mass media

Unclear issues in mass media

From Suara Karya

The polemics on the possible issuance of presidential edict by President Abdurrahman Wahid have been raging, until finally the President himself denied he would issue an edict. However, several circles are still questioning this, as if the edict will be issued at its own time, especially when the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) materializes.

I think the edict issue is part of a systematic attempt to form public opinion through the mass media by certain circles to exacerbate the situation. There are attempts to play one against another between the military/police and the President by perpetuating issues which are yet unclear. This includes the purported plan to replace the military commander and army chief of staff prior to the issuing of the first and second memorandums.

The military/police's stance is viewed as positive in the eyes of the people when voting to "abstain" in the antagonism between the President and the legislature in connection of the issuing of the second memorandum of censure. With that stance the military/police have been judged by the public as having taken a step toward realizing their new paradigm as neutral and impartial defense and security forces. They appear more mature, unwilling to be trapped into siding with certain parties seeking their support.

Due to that, I was rather surprised when some military/police elements suddenly commented on the still unclear presidential edict issue. Knowingly or unknowingly, such a comment has again trapped the military/police into involvement in political forum. What's the use of commenting on issues which are unclear? What good does it do for the military/police?

From the beginning, as far as I know, the military's/police's neutrality in facing this country's political situation has become more evident; they always refer to constitutional endeavors. So they look increasingly more respectable in their capacity as guardians of security based on the Constitution.

With this understanding, if there are parties which try to play politics through unconstitutional means, the military/police are ready to take resolute measures against them regardless of their status including the President. However, to determine whether an action is constitutional or not needs an argumentation based on clear state laws. If necessary the views of the Supreme Court and experts in state laws should be sought. But beware of state legal experts who offer comments to pursue their own political interests.

MOCHTAR RUSTAMADJI

Jakarta