Independence lost?<\/p>\n
From Panji<\/p>\n
In any political structure it is common to see intellectuals
\njoin the ruling regime. In the Sukarno era this phenomenon was
\nquite evident, as the intellectuals were generally involved in
\nand became part of the revolution. In fact, Sukarno and Moh.
\nHatta were themselves genuine intellectuals. All the
\nintellectuals had excellent practical political capabilities,
\nbecause they previously had much experience in organizational
\naffairs gained during their campus life. A number of such
\nintellectuals turned prominent politicians can be cited: Moh.
\nNatsir, Moh. Room and Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, to name just a
\nfew.<\/p>\n
Also in the New Order regime, we know of numerous
\nintellectuals who held government posts. These intellectuals,
\nlike Widjojo Nitisastro and Ali Wardhana, for example, then
\nbecame technocrats, and they made important and strategic
\ncontributions<\/p>\n
The same is true in the era of reform under the leadership of
\nPresident Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur. The question that may be
\nasked is: What could be the motives of the intellectuals or
\nacademicians for joining the government? In my opinion, the
\npresence of once independent people, or even vocal opposition
\ngroups, in the executive branch as director generals or the heads
\nof institutions is invariably followed by a change of their
\nethics and a loss of their independence.<\/p>\n
I have good reason to mention here Mohamad Sobary, who has
\nbeen appointed head of Antara news agency. I was particularly
\ndisappointed by his recent polemics aired on ANteve. I know him
\nthrough many of his articles and ideas presented at seminars as
\nan independent and humanistic figure, having an egalitarian
\noutlook. However, only a few days after being appointed chief of
\nAntara, he became a staunch defender of Gus Dur.<\/p>\n
For example, he strongly criticized the use the word jewer
\n(literally meaning "pinching" someone's ear) in the context of
\n"pinching Gus Dur's ear". According to Sobary, this word is
\nuneducative and unethical. Unfortunately, Sobary seems to have
\nintentionally forgotten to criticize Gus Dur himself when the
\nlatter used the phrase tahi ayam (chicken droppings) to describe
\ncertain parties. Is this an educative and cultured phrase?<\/p>\n
AHMAD YUDI SANTOSA<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/independence-lost-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }