Vilifying Wiranto

Vilifying Wiranto

The relentless vilification of Pak Wiranto over the East Timor
saga is typical of a society thirsting for a scapegoat. Everyone,
it seems, is jumping on the "get Wiranto" bandwagon. Why? Because
he was head of the Indonesian Military at the time.

Surely a leader can only wield so much influence over his
subordinates. Pak Wiranto, as far as I understand, responded
appropriately and professionally to each and every crisis during
East Timor's protracted and traumatic balloting. He consistently
dispatched and alternated troops, including officers with each
crisis.

Pak Wiranto should not, as the case now seems, be held
accountable for mercenary rogue elements within the forces. He
did his job to the best of his capabilities, and with what
resources he had at hand at the time.

We have a saying in the west: You can lead a horse to water,
but you can't make him drink. Pak Wiranto sent the cavalry to
East Timor, however, the behavior of the cavalry during the
crises was the responsibility of frontline commanders and not
himself.

FRANCESCO

Jakarta