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