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