Violent riot in Surakarta saddens Wiranto

Violent riot in Surakarta saddens Wiranto

SOLO, Central Java (JP): Minister of Defense and Security
Affairs/Armed Forces Chief Gen. Wiranto on a visit to Surakarta,
Central Java, Saturday expressed surprise that the reform
movement could alter a town famous for its gentle nature, into a
mob of lawless citizens.

"I could never have imagined that Solo (Surakarta), a charming
royal city widely known for its hospitality, where an apology
would be forthcoming if a foot is accidentally stepped on, could
see a violent riot," he said, referring to devastating riots in
May.

Hundreds of shops and buildings were looted or burned during
the riots, which occurred at about the same time as those in
Jakarta.

Apart from the lootings, there were also reports of ethnic
Chinese women in the town being raped.

Wiranto acknowledged that many people have been willing to
violate the law as a result of the worsening crisis.

"Therefore, the government will work hard to defuse the crisis
in order to create job opportunities for the people," he said
during a ceremony to provide financial assistance to seven
venture capital companies which suffered material losses in the
riots.

He said that the crisis has hit the labor market and, in turn,
brought negative impacts to stability and security.

"However, the crisis should not be used by people to justify
their actions in violating the law," he said, adding that there
was no excuse for people to loot.

"We should all share responsibility in the recent raiding of
shrimp ponds in West Java and of coffee beans in this province,"
he said, reported Antara.

He admitted that the Armed Forces was responsible for defense
and security but without the people's help, national stability
could not be guaranteed because the number of military personnel
was far less than the number of the people.

Care

Separately, psychologists in Jakarta said women assaulted or
raped during the May riots need the strong support of their
relatives and caring close friends to speed their recovery.

Kristi Poerwandari, from the University of Indonesia's Women's
Study Program, said Saturday the victims should be in close
proximity to a "sensitive" person who understands the impact of
their ordeal.

Speaking at a debate on violence against women, Kristi said
the intervention of "uncaring persons", such as those who doubt
the truth in the victims' report, would only make less of their
suffering.

"Unfortunately, few victims have the psychological support
they need," Kristi said.

A report by the Volunteers for Humanity says at least 168
women were raped during and in days immediately after the riots
in several cities throughout the country.

The report states 152 women were raped or sexually abused in
Greater Jakarta and 16 were raped or sexually assaulted in
Surakarta; Medan, North Sumatra and Surabaya, East Java. Most of
the victims were ethnic Chinese women.

Kristi recounted that a husband of a rape victim during the
riot, complained that his wife had become absent minded, frigid
and unable to communicate with him. The man said he could not
stand the situation.

Such an attitude, she claimed, shows the common perception on
women who are still seen as objects.

"It is common that in rape cases, people put the blame on
women. They will doubt the victims' story and accuse them of
acting provocatively to makes the rape happen," she
said. (rms/ste/har)