Army on trial

Article Abstract:

Indonesian army officers have been interrogated on human rights allegations of torture and abduction. The officers include the son-in-law of the ex-president, Suharto. Prabowo Subianto could face charges involving the death penalty. There has been a call to end the double role of the army in both internal and external affairs. This issue could become important in parliamentary elections in Indonesia which are scheduled for mid-1999. The army has been dominant for 40 years and it is unclear whether it will lose this dominance or will carry out a tactical retreat to seek to preserve it.

Legislative Bodies, Armed Services

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Insecurity forces

Article Abstract:

The new president of Indonesia has yet to be selected, and whoever takes on the job has to tackle the problem of the armed forces, which have not performed well in conflicts in Indonesia and East Timor, and have a strong political role. Their role is set out in the constitution and they can influence who becomes president. Commander-in-chief and defense minister, General Wiranto, could become vice-president. This could hamper reforms that are needed, such as greater independence for the police.

National Government, Public Administration, Armed Forces

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Now Aceh takes a beating

Article Abstract:

There is concern that the Indonesian armed forces is involved in atrocities in Aceh, where soldiers have burned houses and shops in their campaign against separatist guerrillas. The scale of outrages is unprecedented, according to human rights workers. Indonesian president, Abdurrahman Ahid, has ruled out a referendum on independence, which separatists would probably win. There is an increasing risk of disintegration in Indonesia as brutality in Aceh continues.

National liberation movements, Aceh, Indonesia

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