'Clear conscience inspired Frans Seda'

JAKARTA (JP): A clear conscience consistently underlined the thoughts and actions of senior economist Frans Seda, one of the architects of the New Order, says book editor Frans M. Parera.

"In answering social, political and economic challenges, Frans Seda has consistently acted with a clear conscience," Frans Parera told reporters yesterday.

Frans Parera headed the team which edited a soon-to-be- released book in honor of Frans Seda's 70th birthday. The book Kekuasaan dan Moral (Power and Morality) is to be launched on Oct. 6.

In connection with his birthday, a seminar will be held on Sept. 26 to review the political economy of Indonesia during the 1966 to 1970 period, Frans Parera was reported by Antara as saying. The seminar is to be held at the Catholic Atmajaya University in Jakarta.

Frans Parera described Frans Seda as a "three-generation statesman" and a "professional politician" because of his lengthy experience and his rational way of examining the state administration.

He kept his distance from religious and ethnic organizations for the sake of establishing a united, harmonious nation, Frans Parera said.

"In his thoughts and writing, Frans Seda constantly tries to define power amid changes with time," he said.

Frans Seda has always been critical of inconsistencies in the state administration, he added.

Frans Seda was born in Maumere, Flores, on Oct. 4, 1926.

He was a member of a team of economic advisors to President Soeharto in the early years of the New Order administration. He served as the minister of plantations from 1964 to 1966 and as the minister of agriculture in 1966 under President Sukarno. He was finance minister from 1966 to 1968 and minister of transportation from 1968 to 1973 under President Soeharto. (emb)