Communist issue<\/p>\n
Today the issue of Indonesian communists is alive again
\nthrough reports in the media. It is surprising enough that
\ngovernment officials are repeatedly discussing the matter.<\/p>\n
The general public was apparently still wondering about the
\nreal meaning of the media coverage of the issue when a senior
\nmilitary general pointed out the alleged communists by name (The
\nJakarta Post, Oct. 17, 1995).<\/p>\n
We do not perceive what is behind the government's idea of
\nraising the issue of communists and communist ideology at a time
\nwhen almost the whole world has abandoned communism. But to
\ndisgrace someone is surely not a commendable deed. Remember:
\n\"Slander is crueler than murder\". Such an accusation reminds me
\nof the phrase \"American made communists\" during the Vietnam War.
\nIt was said that there were two types of communists in Vietnam,
\nand both fought against American imperialist with its puppet
\ngovernment of South Vietnam.<\/p>\n
The first type of communists were those who were devout
\nfollowers of communist ideology. The second type were those who
\nwere branded communists by the Americans because they took part
\nin the struggle to defend their country. They normally comprised
\nhuman rights fighters, clergymen, Buddhist monks as well as other
\npatriotic elements. It was also said that the two groups of
\ncommunists were equally strong and have had equal levels of
\ninfluence up to the present day.<\/p>\n
It is hoped that the government will not accuse someone of
\nbeing a communist simply because they do not side with the
\ngovernment or is critical of it.<\/p>\n
I know George Junus Aditjondro very well. He was once a
\njournalist and a staunch fighter for human rights (and a receiver
\nof the Kalpataru award). I also know Muchtar Pakpahan
\nwho is a self-styled leader of workers. I know Pramoedya Ananta
\nToer through his brilliant literary works. I am fully convinced
\nthat they are not holders of membership cards of the communist
\nparty, neither are they followers of communist ideology.<\/p>\n
INDERA NABABAN<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/communist-issue-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }