A G30S white book?

A G30S white book?

The plan to publish a white book, an official report of government affairs -- and the controversies which it will certainly raise -- may once again become the talk of the day. A fortnight ago a veteran politician and former leading figure of the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI), Manai Sophiaan, published his book, Homage where homage is due: Bung Karno Uninvolved in the G30S PKI Affair. The 320-page volume is, according to the author's enduring close associate Roeslan Abdulgani, "is an all- out plea in favor of Bung Karno (the late President Sukarno) and an attestation that Bung Karno was not involved in the move instigated by the PKI (Indonesian Communist Party).

Former Home Minister Rudini found it necessary to comment on the matter. According to the chairman of the Indonesian Institute for Strategic Studies (LPSI) Manai Sophiaan is entitled to his views. "He did have proof which led to such a conclusion. The only thing to do now is to compare it with the white book."

In Rudini's view the right time to publish the white book is next year, exactly 30 years after the bloody event. In many countries the time limit to maintain the secrecy of documents is indeed 30 years. It is assumed that in that time span the actors in the drama have passed away. Or at least the "heat" of emotions has died and the related events can be discussed objectively and in a neutral manner. According to Rudini there should be no political or psychological considerations coloring the white book. In other words, Rudini is suggesting that the methodology used in compiling the white book is one that is commonly used and is widely accepted by scholars in writing works of historiography. Seen from that point of view, the writing of a historiography on the G30S affair -- or on any affair for that matter -- should pose no problems.

Difficulties arise when the effort is closely related with the interests of the power holders -- or more precisely, with the perpetuation of those interests, and with the legitimation for a continuation of their power. In any case we appreciate the government's intentions and also Rudini's suggestion that the white book be published as soon as possible. It should however be realized that the reconstruction of a past affair of such wide and intense implications can never lay claim to offering the absolute truth.

-- Republika, Jakarta