Communist issue
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
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