Autobiography and differences

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Syarwan Hamid said that the recently released autobiography of Gen (ret) Sumitro was not a problem for the corps, although it includes controversial statements about other top Armed Forces members and the Malari incident, the biggest student demonstration in the New Order era which occurred in 1974.

Autobiographies which are written by those who have a lot of experiences and play important roles in this republic will be good references for the young generation, so they can learn to understand the history of this country and have clearer perceptions of it. But it is important to remember that facts which are kept unpublished for 25 years could be read in an autobiography or memoir.

We should learn to accept differences prevailing in our community, so we needn't overreact in facing such a case. We should open a forum for different opinions, questions and discussions and make debating popular among people.

Various points of views or perceptions of a case or incident which are written in autobiographies of some figures, perhaps are a good example of how to accept differences.

-Kompas, Jakarta