Communist issue

Today the issue of Indonesian communists is alive again through reports in the media. It is surprising enough that government officials are repeatedly discussing the matter.

The general public was apparently still wondering about the real meaning of the media coverage of the issue when a senior military general pointed out the alleged communists by name (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 17, 1995).

We do not perceive what is behind the government's idea of raising the issue of communists and communist ideology at a time when almost the whole world has abandoned communism. But to disgrace someone is surely not a commendable deed. Remember: "Slander is crueler than murder". Such an accusation reminds me of the phrase "American made communists" during the Vietnam War. It was said that there were two types of communists in Vietnam, and both fought against American imperialist with its puppet government of South Vietnam.

The first type of communists were those who were devout followers of communist ideology. The second type were those who were branded communists by the Americans because they took part in the struggle to defend their country. They normally comprised human rights fighters, clergymen, Buddhist monks as well as other patriotic elements. It was also said that the two groups of communists were equally strong and have had equal levels of influence up to the present day.

It is hoped that the government will not accuse someone of being a communist simply because they do not side with the government or is critical of it.

I know George Junus Aditjondro very well. He was once a journalist and a staunch fighter for human rights (and a receiver of the Kalpataru award). I also know Muchtar Pakpahan who is a self-styled leader of workers. I know Pramoedya Ananta Toer through his brilliant literary works. I am fully convinced that they are not holders of membership cards of the communist party, neither are they followers of communist ideology.

INDERA NABABAN

Jakarta