Some claim that Wiranto played a key role as a moderating influence during the turbulent times of 1998 when Soeharto resigned. He had the power to impose military rule, but refused to do so, thereby allowing the civilian process to develop. Taufik Darusman labeled him a "military reformist" because Wiranto reduced the military's role in Indonesian politics. He initiated the reduction of their seats in parliament and separated the police from the military. Nonetheless, more than 2,000 East Timorese were killed in violence under his watch, as well as 500,000 forced into displacement. Other atrocities were perpetrated by the Indonesian security forces at the time Wiranto was their top commander, including the Biak massacre in July 1998.