M

ay 10, p. 6

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to apologize on behalf of the state to victims of past human rights abuses and their families. One thing is certain, however.

The President is sure to deny accusations that he was involved in any crimes against humanity in the past, or else he will be prosecuted and brought to justice.

Then the question is why would he want to apologize for a wrong that he did not commit? (By Ricky Gunawan, Jakarta)

Your comments:

This is typical of a lawyer: Always approach things from a narrow legal prism. Try to go deeper and to learn harder, for in case of South Africa, none of those perpetrators of gross-violation of human rights had been brought to justice.

They admitted their wrongdoings. The state took the responsibilities and compensated the victims accordingly. So was the case in Australia.

If you think vengeance through whatever means, including through courts, can settle the problems once and for all, you are absolutely misguided.

Hendarji Herlambang