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)