Unrests linked to foreign interference<\/p>\n
By M.M.I. Ahyani<\/p>\n
BANDUNG (JP): Historian Ahmad Mansur Suryanegara, who lectures
\nin the School of Letters at Padjadjaran University here, sees
\nlinks between recent outbreaks of unrest in Indonesia with the
\nreform movement and the meddling of other countries, specifically
\nthe United States.<\/p>\n
Mansur, 65, who also teaches at the Sunan Gunung Djati State
\nInstitute for Islamic Studies, admits his commentaries may differ
\nfrom the standard political assessment but says they are based on
\nhis studies of geopolitics.<\/p>\n
"One thing is clear in politics. There's no eternal friend or
\nfoe. The only thing that lasts is the interests of the political
\nanimals," he said.<\/p>\n
In his analysis Mansur said he wanted to make the public aware
\nthat there were "external parties" playing with the nation's
\ndestiny. "Whether it realizes or not, this nation is trapped and
\nbeing carried away in the political game of others," he said.<\/p>\n
He also said he believed the current reform movement has the
\npotential to degenerate into a religious war similar to that in
\n15th century Europe. Mansur spoke with The Jakarta Post earlier
\nthis week at his house.<\/p>\n
Question: What do you think of the reform movement? How do you
\nview Indonesia's situation now?<\/p>\n
Answer: Historically speaking, I think the term is
\nmisunderstood. The campaign is called reformasi but in reality it
\nis leading to a war of religions.<\/p>\n
(The original "reformation" campaign) started at the time of
\nMarthin Luther in 1517 ... (who was) endeavoring ... to oppose
\nthe power of the Catholic church under Pope Leo X which sold
\nabsolutions.<\/p>\n
The term "reformation" originated in the church and would
\nlater lead to a counter-reform movement by the Catholic church.
\nAs a result of the opposition, the war of religions started. In
\nGermany it lasted 25 years, in France 31 years and in Britain it
\nhas been going on for 398 years until now.<\/p>\n
So, if we see that "reformation" had such an impact, why do we
\nchoose the term? I would opt for "restoration" with a view to
\nrealizing a civilized society.<\/p>\n
Many people's analyses of the present national condition (have
\nfailed) to link it with external conditions affecting Indonesia.
\nIn fact, Indonesia's current chaotic situation is the result of
\nexternal groups who do not want to see the nation progress.<\/p>\n
Why and how have those external parties operated?<\/p>\n
Indonesia is not the only country (to be affected). In
\ngeneral, there are three things that these external parties,
\nnamely the United States, dislike. First, Indonesia is a country
\nwith a growing Muslim population. The understanding and the
\npractice of the religion here is good.<\/p>\n
To be honest, the (later years) of former president Soeharto's
\nera were marked with a tremendous increase in the understanding
\nand practice of Islamic teaching. Mosques were established
\neverywhere, the number of haj pilgrims to Mecca grew to 200,000
\nper year. There are many more examples.<\/p>\n
Second, (the United States) does not like countries with a
\nlarge amount of military power able to dominate the region. So
\nquestions were raised concerning democratization, and calls for
\nthe military to return to the barracks.<\/p>\n
Third, the U.S. does not like at all any country that is able
\nto develop high technology, especially nuclear weapons
\ntechnology. All these three aspects are present here, so
\nIndonesia became the target of their game. There are many other
\n(targets), such as Pakistan and Iran.<\/p>\n
What is the basis of your analysis?<\/p>\n
What we are seeing now is actually a repetition of history.
\nThere are similarities in the patterns, (though) with new figures
\nbeing created and discarded as soon as their usefulness ends.
\nSoeharto himself is perhaps a good example.<\/p>\n
The involvement of the CIA in the toppling of Indonesia's
\nfirst president, Sukarno, was disclosed by his wife, Dewi
\nSukarno. Currently there are signs of U.S. involvement, covert or
\notherwise. I am not saying that the student movement, which
\nhelped topple Soeharto, was not pure. But they were not (free
\nfrom the influence of external parties).<\/p>\n
Soeharto's resignation was an intermediary target. The main
\ngoal is the nation's disintegration, and this can be brought
\nabout by a religious war.<\/p>\n
We can also see history repeating itself in the fact that the
\ncrisis started with economic chaos. In 1966, that also happened.
\nThere were the same problems of West Irian and Aceh.<\/p>\n
Then (in the 1960s) we bought arms from the Soviet Union. Now
\nthe Air Force is trying to obtain Sukhoi aircraft from Russia
\nafter canceling orders of F-16 planes from the U.S.<\/p>\n
Then, General A.H. Nasution was discharged, now, it is
\n(Soeharto's son-in-law Lt. Gen.) Prabowo (Subianto).<\/p>\n
Is it not possible that the similarities are mere
\ncoincidences?<\/p>\n
I do not think so. They are repetitions of a pattern.<\/p>\n
We can see it in other countries being treated (by the U.S.)
\nin the same way. Actually the method used by the U.S. is one that
\nis socialistic in nature ... (which) is very effective indeed.
\nThere is a theory that says hungry people have empty heads and
\nsouls. Therefore, the crisis of getting basic food was created.
\nIt was not a coincidence.<\/p>\n
Is there also a connection between the timing of these events?<\/p>\n
There are periods of time that are sensitive. I worry terribly
\nabout Sept. 9, 1999 (which reads 9-9-99), but I hope nothing will
\nhappen on that day. Apart from the problems of days commemorating
\ngreat historical events, the month of September is in fact highly
\ncrucial. The momentum in September is apt to foil the appointment
\nof a new leader in November 1999 (when the new People's
\nConsultative Assembly is scheduled to elect a new president).<\/p>\n
What are your suggestions for reform campaigners at the
\nmoment?<\/p>\n
First of all, beware of and do not be carried away by other
\npeople's games. Politics is something that is full of cover-ups.
\nBecause the real political motives must be modified or covered.<\/p>\n
The next leader must be close to the people and take their
\nside. Trust that whoever helps U.S. interests will end up
\nsuffering. Historical examples abound.<\/p>",
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