Unspun

With the speed of a glacier the Government has finally taken a step where militant organizations committing violent acts in the name of Islam is concerned.

Whether it is a step forward, backward or in no particular direction remains to be seen. Newspapers reported today that the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legan and Security Affairs Widodo Adi Sucipto has issued a warning to these groups.

His warning? "Act promoting anarchy, threats of terror or moves to take the law into one's own hands are classified as crimes, which will be processed under the country's existing laws," said Widido.

This is disturbing. The government is warning that it will enforce the law. Shouldn't enforcement of the law be a given in any modern society? The laws governing public order have been there – to warn is to admit that the government has not been enforcing the law. This is really warped. It becomes more warped when you consider that this namby pamby warning was issued only after the Coordinating Minister had met with and received the support Military, Police, Home Ministry and expert advisor. All this coalition building so that you can say that you'll enforce the law?

But also included in Widodo's statement is a clue as to why the government has been dragging its feet on enforcement against the militant groups. It gives credence to NU chief Hasyim's claim that political leaders in the Cabinet and the House of Representatives are behind these groups.

"I know that law enforcers at all levels have faced a certain amount of pressure from various parties when they deal with these groups, and I am assuring them now that the government will provide protection to them when they carry out their duties," hewas reported to have said.

Again, this is where the Indonesian Press has failed us. Who are these various parties that Widodo speaks of? Why can't they be named? Are they in high positions in the Cabinet and Parliament? Where do they get the money to back these groups?