Armed Forces elders

Armed Forces elders

From Pikiran Rakyat

The euphoria of reform has reached a new height of intensity
with the establishment of the National Front, which has declared
itself a forum serving as the government's opposition. I was a
little surprised when one of its founders, Lt. Gen. (ret.)
Triantoro, said that in addition to serving as the government's
opposition, the National Front would also "deflate" the
leadership of Golongan Karya (Golkar).

He also said that in his judgment, Golkar's extraordinary
congress was fraught with dirty political maneuvers.

Although I myself did not take part in this congress, I wonder
whether it is appropriate for Triantoro, as one of the Armed
Forces elders, to level such an accusation in the media.

As one of the nation's sons, I am really very sad. I'm sad not
because of the strong criticisms leveled against Golkar but
rather because an Armed Forces elder, who should actually calm
the people when they are angry and panicky, has instead fanned
the situation by discouraging people to trust their government.

The accusation that Golkar's extraordinary congress was
fraught with dirty political maneuvers gives an impression that
the National Front is disappointed with the result of the
congress. This disappointment is then manifested in a resolve as
outsiders to deflate Golkar. Is this political culture exemplary?

Dear gentlemen, you are, in some ways, historically linked
with the New Order regime. So you were, to a certain degree, to
blame for the mistakes committed by this regime because you were
holding certain positions.

The establishment of the National Front as a result of
disappointment over Golkar's extraordinary congress has, from the
very beginning, completely crushed its moral commitment to guide
the reform drive.

Therefore, it is my hope that the National Front, through
retrospection, may be able to assume its right position as a
moral force and work side by side with other communities.

Your experiences will be held up as examples by the younger
generation. Actualize yourselves and dismiss the assumption that
you are in your "second puberty".

BOBBY P. MANULLANG

Activist of Wawasan

Non-Governmental

Organization

Bandung