Magsaysay award<\/p>\n
I read with interest the report on the Magsaysay award
\npresented to Pramoedya Ananta Toer. The choice had drawn protests
\nfrom some prominent intellectuals in Indonesia. It is evident
\nthat intellectuals are divided in this matter. Taufiq Ismail and
\nhis friend on the one hand, and noted sociologist Arief Budiman
\nand others on the other. The latter agrees with the award (The
\nJakarta Post, Aug. 12, 1995).<\/p>\n
Considering the arguments forwarded by both sides, I come to
\nthe conclusion that they are both right. Taufiq Ismail, Mochtar
\nLubis, Rendra and others are right to say that Pramoedya had
\ncommitted a great sin in his campaign to oppress the creativity
\nof non-communist writers in the early 1960s. It is not only a sin
\nin the literary intellectuals but it is also a sin to the science
\nand human civilization. So their protest against the Magsaysay
\naward for Pramoedya is understandable.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, Arief Budiman is right in having a great
\nsoul. What Arief did is a difficult maneuver. But he could do it.
\nI appreciate the way he did. I think he is a true democrat,
\njudging his way of thinking. He demanded us to have a great soul.<\/p>\n
Now we have to consider what is the Magsaysay award for? Is
\nthe award given to someone who has a lifetime dedication to
\nliterature? Or, is it done for one's works?<\/p>\n
I agree with Arief that we have to make an effort to create a
\nnew culture--democratic culture. We don't have to show vengeance
\nor we should not abuse power.<\/p>\n
MOEFLICH HASBULLAH<\/p>\n
Bandung, West Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/magsaysay-award-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }