Adi Sasono's interpretation

Adi Sasono's interpretation

From Republika

The comment by the chairman of the Association of Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) Adi Sasono on the series of bombings on Christmas eve (Republika, 29, 2000) was in general heartening enough. However, unfortunately, in the fourth paragraph Adi Sasono distorted President Abdurrahman Wahid's statement concerning the New Order, misleading people who are unaware of the true speech of the President. It can also create instability in the society.

Adi Sasono said: "We should no longer indulge in accusing each other without good reasons. We have just heard the President's speech to the effect that all elements of the New Order should be cleansed. This approach has no clear legal basis. When the Old Order was still in power, the regime had purged all elements that were counter-revolutionary. During the New Order era, all remnants of the Sept. 30 Movement of the Communists were purged. And now all elements of the New Order must also be purged. This may of course create disunity in the community, mainly because the idea has no clear basis."

This statement of Adi Sasono is very much contrary to the reality, either contextually or substantially because the President had never uttered such words or sentences that could be interpreted as all New Order elements must be purged. On the other hand, on several occasions, President Abdurrahman had hinted that he disagrees with such a concept.

According to the President, not all New Order or Functional Group (Golkar) elements are bad, and not all non-New Order elements are good. He disagrees to the generalization of matters concerning the past regime. It is true that a number of bureaucrats have been slated to be replaced. But it is not because they belong to the New Order or Golkar. It is due to their dishonesty.

ADHIE M MASSARDI

Presidential spokesman

Jakarta