A new approach?

A new approach?

The step taken by the Armed Forces (ABRI) chief of
sociopolitical affairs, Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, to
hold a dialog with intellectuals in Yogyakarta deserves to be
welcomed. It seems that ABRI is serious in its intention to
approach the social and political difficulties prevailing in this
country by holding dialogs -- an approach which is expected to
yield good results.

As far as we have been able to observe, the meeting in
Yogyakarta proceeded in an atmosphere of mutual understanding.
Yogyakarta's vocal leader Amien Rais described it as a meeting
"of the brains and the hearts". Many observers hailed the meeting
as beneficial, and the results were indeed heartening. Among
other things, according to Amien Rais, the case involving Arifin
Panigoro, who had been accused of plotting against the
government, was considered closed.

We regard the meeting as a step forward, especially as the
need for intellectuals to remain critical was underscored by the
ABRI chief of sociopolitical affairs. Such a critical attitude is
indeed necessary to prevent this nation from sliding into even
deeper misfortune.

Our intellectuals have been venting their criticism since
witnessing the widening gaps and the many digressions taking
place in society. The airing of criticism, however sharp, is
normal among intellectuals. But whether we realize it or not, we
-- the public, government officials and bureaucrats -- are not
ready to accept criticism, even though deep inside our hearts we
do admit that such criticism is good and beneficial. Perhaps it
is because we are reluctant to admit our own failings, much less
make changes that will lessen our grip and our influence over
things.

Thus, we are putting high hopes on ABRI's new approach. Its
willingness to start holding dialogs is a reflection of its
openness to suggestions from others. This is a good beginning,
which should be followed up and continued on a larger scale.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta