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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/02/05/editorial-the-batak-way.html
Editorial: The Batak way?
The Jakarta Post | Thu, 02/05/2009 9:22 AM | Opinion
Whatever the reason or excuse the protesters might have used to justify their violent ways to achieve their goal for the creation of a new province of Tapanuli in North Sumatra, their brutal action against Abdul Aziz Angkat, the speaker of the North Sumatra Legislative Council (DPRD), is totally unacceptable because it goes against the most fundamental principles of democracy and ethics.
Police should take stern action against those who used violence or provoked violence during the protests. Society has to bear a very big burden when the police are reluctant or hesitant to uphold the law. It is not impossible that the fatal incident will trigger sectarian conflicts in the province, because of the relatively more egalitarian population of Christians and Muslims there as compared to other provinces.
Although at least until Wednesday, according to the police, there was no evidence that Aziz’s death was caused by a beating, it was still very clear that the protesters’ violence and intimidation contributed directly or indirectly to the Golkar politician’s death.
The aspiration of the people to set up the new province in the predominantly Christian Tapanuli region, and the plan to create Southeast Sumatra province in the predominantly Muslim South Tapanuli, is constitutional, as long as they channel their aspiration in democratic and peaceful ways.
The people of North Sumatra are proud of the unity and cohesion of their society, where the Christian population is quite significant. They believe that the sectarian conflicts that claimed thousands of lives in Maluku will never happen in their province, because North Sumatrans are much more tolerant and pluralistic compared to Maluku residents. So far, interfaith relations look impressive in North Sumatra.
It is very saddening to read the harsh statements of some religious leaders who demanded that the DPRD approve the creation of the new province, because they are supposed to be role models for society. Didn’t they realize the impacts of their statements on society?
We do not want to enter the debate over whether the establishment of new provinces in North Sumatra is feasible. Our deepest concern is about violence. This is not the first time violence has erupted during the process to create a new province in the country. But the situation can be explosive in North Sumatra because of the demographics.
This is the very right time for the government and especially House of Representatives members to demonstrate their statesmanship by reviewing the policies on the creation of new regencies, municipalities and provinces. It is so easy to establish new regencies, municipalities or provinces, because according to rumors, the House is very accommodating as long as there is enough money to bribe the parliament members.
Again, we call on the police and other law enforcers to take stern but fair action against those who violated the law during the demonstrations. There should be no tolerance at all against such brutal acts.
People in the province need to realize that peace and harmony in their region is at stake when they let themselves be provoked by irresponsible people. The aspiration to establish a new province deserves our respect, but no one can accept brutalities.
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