Trials as Surrealism

[Dennis L. Fiddle]

The Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition -- March 5, 1997
Trials as Surrealism

Observing what can fairly be described as a political show
trial was a surreal experience. The anti-subversion law
which Messrs. Budiman, Pakpahan and the other defendants are
charged with violating, among other things, provides that it
is a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for up to 20
years to engage in any activity "evidently with the
intention" of "undermining state power or the authority of
the legal Government of the State Apparatus" or "spreading
feelings of . . .hostility, dissension, conflict, chaos,
instability or restlessness among the population."

The questions witnesses were asked were far removed from
anything that one would expect to be asked at a trial in a
free and democratic country. A prosecution witness at Mr.
Pakpahan's trial who was deputy chairman of Pakpahan's union
is illustrative: Did the witness hear Mr. Pakpahan say in
public or private that Mr. Suharto has engaged in "many
cheats" in his almost 30-year presidency. Did he hear Mr.
Pakpahan say that someone should "bring Mr. Suharto to
court"? Did he hear Mr. Pakpahan say that the "Suharto
government distorts the laws" or that Mr. Suharto should not
be nominated for the presidency in 1998? Did he hear Mr.
Pakpahan say that he disagrees with the government's East
Timor policy?

The logic of Mr. Budiman's assessment of the Indonesian
government's motive in prosecuting these trials is difficult
to refute: "The motive is to send us to prison at least
until 1998." He adds: "In the past, society was very
politicized. The government has a goal of controlling
political parties, trade unions."

--Jack David

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--
dfi...@minn.net (Dennis L. Fiddle)
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