Indonesian Governors vow to maintain order

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, JULY 2. Eight provincial Governors in Indonesia have issued a ``declaration'' vowing that they would not allow areas under their charge to descend into chaos.

The declaration, which was read out to the press in Yogyakarta, is a clear statement of the problems facing the country in the wake of the likely impeachment of the President, Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid, in early August.

``This declaration is our response to the current national condition. Whatever happens in the Central Government, we don't want any regional conflicts,'' the Yogyakarta Governor, Mr. Hamengkubuwono X, was quoted as saying.

``It's our obligation to make our people feel safe and secure. That's what we are gathering for,'' he stated. Several provincial military and police commanders also attended the Governors' meeting.

Referring to the upcoming special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) where Mr. Wahid's fate will be decided, the declaration said: ``We also hope that the special session will be able to restore mutual trust and respect among Indonesian people, and to put public interest, national unity, and State sovereignty above all for the sake of a new Indonesian society.

``We also remind the Indonesian people that the worsening social and economic... (situation), short-term political objectives and the weakening sense of nationalism could speed up the process of national disintegration,'' the Governors warned.

Promising to ensure that security personnel would be asked to act decisively to protect public security, the ``declaration'' added: ``People's patience and tolerance have almost reached their limit. If the limit is crossed, there will be social conflicts. Therefore, we hope that the special session will decide things based on professionalism, not just political sentiments.''

Copies of the declaration will be sent to Mr. Wahid, the House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker, Mr. Akbar Tandjung, and the MPR Speaker, Mr. Amien Rais.

The statement issued by the Governors can be seen as an expression of concern at the conditions in Indonesia. With Mr. Wahid's ouster almost certain if the MPR meets as scheduled, politics in the country is polarised.

However, whatever be the political machinations taking place, Indonesia appears to be a country which is just drifting along, without any governing hand.

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Section  : International
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