Who are the true reformists?<\/p>\n
By Santi W.E. Soekanto<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Who are the true reformists in Indonesia?
\nFinding an answer to this question is a near impossible feat, so
\nit is best to learn the lesson that in politics, there is simply
\nno permanent friend or foe.<\/p>\n
Personal interests are placed above all other considerations,
\nas political figures such as Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Harmoko,
\nAkbar Tandjung, Try Sutrisno, Siswono Yudohusodo, Sarwono
\nKusumaatmadja and, of course, B.J. Habibie have shown over the
\npast year.<\/p>\n
These figures have been exerting efforts to, at the least,
\ndistance themselves from Soeharto, the founder of the New Order
\nregime who is now such a political hot potato no one can get rid
\nof him quickly enough. At best, these politicians wish to
\nconvince others and themselves that they are indeed pro-reform.<\/p>\n
A reread of some old books, however, may convince us that a
\nsnake shedding its old skin has nothing on these politicians.<\/p>\n
The following are what these political figures said about
\nSoeharto in Di Antara Para Sahabat. Pak Harto 70 Tahun (Among
\nFriends. Pak Harto at 70) and Manajemen Presiden Soeharto
\n(President Soeharto's Management):<\/p>\n
Harmoko: \"Soeharto gives his blood and soul for the people.\"<\/p>\n
The House Speaker served three terms as a minister in
\nSoeharto's Cabinets, and was known for such great deference to
\nSoeharto that he opened practically all of his speeches by saying
\n\"with the guidance of Bapak Presiden\".<\/p>\n
However, he was able to read the political currents correctly
\nand save his own skin when Soeharto fell. Just days before
\nSoeharto's resignation on May 21, 1998, Harmoko saved his
\npolitical career by jumping ship and joining those who were
\nclamoring for the veteran ruler's resignation.<\/p>\n
Yet, this was what he said years before: \"It would therefore
\nnot be an exaggeration if I observe that the thoughts and the
\nactions of Pak Harto are always for the interests of the people.\"<\/p>\n
\"Every day, every second, Pak Harto becomes one with the
\naspirations, inspirations and motivations of the people under his
\nleadership. His blood, his flesh, his feelings and sweat which
\naccompany his heartbeats are for the people only...\"<\/p>\n
\"His firm stance and his discipline have not made him a rigid
\nleader or dismissive of other people's opinions. On the contrary,
\nPak Harto always heeds and listens and accepts other people's
\nopinions, as long as they are rational.\"<\/p>\n
\"Pak Harto is an open, patient and gentle leader, who guides
\nhis aides as a father would his children.\"<\/p>\n
B.J. Habibie: \"Soeharto is the hero of all heroes.\"<\/p>\n
The incumbent president had the hardest task of convincing
\npeople that he was different from his predecessor, whom he once
\ncalled \"my great political professor\". His closeness to Soeharto
\nwas one among many factors which analysts said eroded his
\ncredibility.<\/p>\n
He once wrote the following: \"I see Pak Harto as the hero of
\nall other heroes... He is a role model for everybody to
\nemulate.\"<\/p>\n
\"I believe that the philosophy, strategies and wisdom of Pak
\nHarto, who is this nation's greatest son, are the best for this
\nnation. This is why I tirelessly and fearlessly try to translate
\nall of his thoughts into the language of an engineer entrusted
\nwith the task of building a beautiful house for his people...\"<\/p>\n
Akbar Tandjung: \"I always try to follow his guidance.\"<\/p>\n
The Minister\/State Secretary and chairman of Golkar is among
\nthose considered to be so politically bland that they can easily
\nmove from one camp to another.<\/p>\n
This is what he wrote: \"Pak Harto does not talk much, but is
\nalways full of thought and wisdom, marked by high common sense
\nand the ability to rise up to obstacles...\"<\/p>\n
\"His modesty and his wisdom is (what lies) behind (his) quiet
\nleadership.\"<\/p>\n
\"Pak Harto's vision and belief about the importance of
\ntogetherness and cooperation -- which balance individual rights
\nwith social responsibilities -- have made me admire and respect
\nhis leadership.\"<\/p>\n
\"As his aide, it is normal that I always try to follow all of
\nhis guidance...\"<\/p>\n
Try Sutrisno: \"Soeharto is a true democrat.\"<\/p>\n
The former Soeharto adjutant served a term as vice president
\nwithout causing even a ripple, despite his controversial record
\nof alleged rights abuses, including the Tanjung Priok shooting in
\n1984. Some people have mentioned Try as a possible presidential
\ncandidate in this era of reform.<\/p>\n
This was what Try wrote about Soeharto: \"Truly, Pak Harto is
\nan impressive personality... I see him as a first-class
\nstrategist, one who has the ability to read the future
\naccurately.\"<\/p>\n
\"He is also a modest person, always kind and friendly to
\neveryone. Sometimes this characteristic is exploited by people to
\nfurther their personal interests.\"<\/p>\n
\"In the state's affairs, I see him as a true democrat.\"<\/p>\n
\"As a perfect leader, Pak Harto is a courageous general, firm
\nand wise. He is a wise and democratic statesman who is able to
\naccommodate the interests of many people ... He is a brilliant
\nadministrator ....\"<\/p>\n
Edi Sudradjat: \"Soeharto is the epitome of statesmanship.\"<\/p>\n
The former minister of defense is taking pains to show the
\npublic that he is pro-reform by, among others things, founding
\nthe Justice and Unity Party with other former members of Golkar
\nwho have declared a break from the Soeharto era.<\/p>\n
However, this is what he once wrote about Soeharto: \"He is the
\nnation's epitome of statesmanship, who has led the nation's ship
\nsuccessfully for the past 25 years.\"<\/p>\n
\"His guidance and directives are my capital in forming
\npolicies and measures. He is a commander who is always close to
\nhis subordinates.\"<\/p>\n
\"The Indonesian people must thank Allah for giving us a child
\nof the nation who has saved national unity.\"<\/p>\n
Hayono Isman: \"We all should be so grateful.\"<\/p>\n
The former minister of youth affairs and sports, and the
\nformer leader of Golkar is now the secretary-general of the
\nJustice and Unity Party.<\/p>\n
These were his thoughts on Soeharto: \"We all should be so
\ngrateful because we have a national leader whose management
\nprinciples are constitutional and dynamic.\"<\/p>\n
\"Pak Harto has strategic strength. He has a strong and wide
\nvision. He has the courage to make quick, accurate and firm
\ndecisions.\"<\/p>\n
Ginandjar Kartasasmita: \"Soeharto is a world-class leader.\"<\/p>\n
The coordinating minister for economy, finance and industry
\nled a group of ministers in Soeharto's last Cabinet who abandoned
\nthe veteran ruler. This move, combined with developments such as
\nthe Armed Forces' decision to pull its support for Soeharto,
\nhelped push him out of the presidential seat he had occupied for
\n32 years.<\/p>\n
This is what Ginandjar once said about the former president:
\n\"I believe that history will record Pak Harto's name as a great
\nleader. He stands on par with any other world leader, and will
\nsurely leave his mark as other leaders have done.\"<\/p>\n
Sarwono Kusumaatmadja: \"I feel protected by Pak Harto.\"<\/p>\n
The former Golkar executive, student activist and Soeharto
\nminister has in recent years been known for his critical stance
\nof Soeharto's New Order regime. Since Soeharto's resignation, he
\nhas often been invited to address seminars as a reformist. He is
\namong the most vocal critics of Habibie, whom he believes lacks
\ncredibility because of his closeness with Soeharto.<\/p>\n
However, Sarwono also was once protected by Soeharto, as he
\nhimself admitted:<\/p>\n
\"I realized later on that my fate as a politician was not only
\nprotected by the support of my friends in Golkar, the Armed
\nForces and the administration, but also because of the support of
\nPak Harto as the chief patron of Golkar.\"<\/p>\n
He also wrote, \"Pak Harto is an intelligent person, even
\nthough his educational background is far from adequate.\"<\/p>\n
\"His leadership is what caused a change in the system in
\nIndonesia... I believe that if we just follow his line of
\nthought, Insya Allah (God willing), we will be safe...\"<\/p>\n
Siswono Yudohusodo: \"I beg for his guidance.\"<\/p>\n
The former transmigration minister is now widely respected as
\na reformist. In the last days of Soeharto's rule, he was among
\nthose who made the circuit giving speeches about the evils of the
\nNew Order regime.<\/p>\n
Yet, this is what he once wrote of Soeharto: \"I felt the
\nvibration of his leadership... I beg for his guidance.\"<\/p>\n
\"I see him as a leader who knows what has to be done... He is
\na figure who is able to create a sense of calm and of having
\nsolid footing... His self-control is incredible, and his vision
\nis incomparable.\"<\/p>\n
Siswono also wrote, \"My deepest impression of Pak Harto is
\nthat he is a humanist.\"<\/p>\n
\"To all young people, my message is that we can learn from Pak
\nHarto because he is proactive toward change. There are people who
\nare reluctant to change, who see progress with fear. I see Pak
\nHarto as someone who is proactive toward change for the better.\"<\/p>\n
Window: A reread of some old books, however, may convince us that
\na snake shedding its old skin has nothing on these politicians.<\/p>",
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