Sarwono gets his knuckles rapped<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono
\nKusumaatmadja was reprimanded by President Soeharto yesterday for
\na recent outburst against fellow cabinet members.<\/p>\n
\"Yes, I was advised to control my behavior,\" Sarwono told
\njournalists after meeting with the President at the Merdeka
\nPalace.<\/p>\n
\"I accepted the advice, because, well, I work for the
\npresident,\" he said.<\/p>\n
During a recent interview with Forum magazine, Sarwono
\nexpressed concerns about some of his fellow cabinet members,
\nsaying that \"some of the current problems are of their own
\ncreation.\"<\/p>\n
Sarwono was known for his sharp criticism and analysis of the
\npolitical situation during his days as a Golkar politician and
\nbefore he was recruited into the cabinet in 1988.<\/p>\n
More recently, he has become vocal again, airing his views on
\nvarious political issues.<\/p>\n
When asked which part of his behavior he was ordered to
\ncontrol, he said; \"My talking too much ... I think it would be
\nbetter if I channel this particular trait into my state duties,\"
\nwhich is on environmental issues.<\/p>\n
\"It won't be easy for you guys to get statements from me from
\nnow on,\" Sarwono said.<\/p>\n
The minister said it was in his nature to be outwardly, and
\nthus people often consulted him on many things, including the
\nrecent formation of new organizations.<\/p>\n
He said that despite not being directly involved or being an
\ninitiator of these organizations, his advice was often sought.<\/p>\n
When pushed further on his own personal feelings thought about
\nthis whole affair, Sarwono said \"Well personal feelings are
\nrelative. At the time I was talking casually about things as they
\nwere.\"<\/p>\n
\"But I do need to be reminded now and then that my
\nresponsibility to the state does not allow me to aggressively
\nfollow my traits,\" he added.<\/p>\n
In a related development, the executive board of the '66
\nCommunication and Study Forum (Fosko 66), a forum of student
\nleaders of the mid-1960s, announced yesterday that it was going
\nto dismiss one of its members for remarks made against Sarwono.<\/p>\n
The Forum's secretary general, Joesri Ma'roef, said it was
\nrevoking Sumarno Dipodisastro's membership and expressed its
\napology to Sarwono and President Soeharto, Antara reported.<\/p>\n
Sumarno had asked Sarwono to resign from the cabinet because
\nof the remarks attacking fellow cabinet members.<\/p>\n
Joesri said Sumarno had no right to speak on behalf of the
\nforum in calling for the resignation of a minister.<\/p>\n
The student leaders of the mid-1960s led the street
\ndemonstrations which caused the downfall of president Sukarno in
\n1967 and the rise of Soeharto to power.<\/p>\n
Sarwono is one of the few student leaders from that period who
\nhave had a successful political career. (mds)<\/p>",
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