Clobber again

It is very interesting to notice that a very common word like "clobber" has become so popular in such a short time. It is like the story of the sleeping beauty, who suddenly wakes up and meets prince charming.

It is also very interesting to read the explanation given by scholar Yusril Ihza Mahendra, a lecturer of political science at the University of Indonesia.

For days I have been waiting for an explanation of the term clobber as used by our President. But none emerged. Therefore, I was forced to give my own interpretation of the clobber issue.

First, we have to take into consideration that Soeharto is Javanese and therefore rarely uses harsh words or says things directly. As far as I know, Soeharto is a softly-spoken man, can control his emotions and with just one word can give meaning to a very important phenomenon.

Everybody accepts the explanation that clobber was directed to people, or organizations who are trying to unseat the President (not necessarily Soeharto) by unconstitutional means. Soeharto only wants to point out that we are a law abiding country and the state philosophy is Pancasila. So everything should be done in the name of law and Pancasila. The use of the term clobber has an educational value and is directed to the law enforcing agencies.

The situation is often analyzed in the media, but people seldom take the right actions. They prefer to resort to violence such as riots, completely disregarding the law and taking the law into their own hands.

In my opinion Soeharto used the word clobber and he meant it. He was not joking.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta