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