While no one knows for sure, an estimated 10,000 people from the Maluku population of 2 million have died and about 500,000 are now displaced. We cannot rely on the Indonesian security forces. Last week a delegation from the European Union arrived to begin its own investigation. From the bloated refugee camps on nearby Sulawesi, the risk of contagion is spreading. The security forces can do little.
Nobody supposes that the security forces can forge a peace anyway.
Trying to rein in the malcontents while maintaining the strong, well-disciplined force that Indonesia needs. Trying to empower those loyal to his reform agenda without further demoralizing and angering those long familiar with being the law. Yet while this sophisticated Javanese shadow play is performed, the Maluku slaughter continues. He cannot move too much or too soon, otherwise it will backfire. Suddenly cut loose from their benefactor Suharto, the security forces are as disoriented and insecure as many of their countrymen.