Communist resurgence -- fact or fiction?
Communist resurgence -- fact or fiction?
Repeated government warnings in past weeks about the dangers of communism have included expressions like "formless organizations", "night communists", "daylight communists" and "new-style communism". Political observer Harry Tjan Silalahi talks about the issue in an interview with The Jakarta Post.
Question: Many high-ranking military officers have recently spoken of the re-emergence of communism. Why is this?
Answer: The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) in Indonesia has been disbanded. Communism, as a legal organization, is no more. Does Marxism-Leninism still exist? If it does, I think it is possibly only in China, Vietnam, Cuba and North Korea. They have adopted Marxism-Leninism as their official ideology. However, even that has been revised. Vietnam, for example, has accepted the market economy. China too. Only Cuba and North Korea have not done so. However, Cuba is heading for it, too. So, ideologically, communism has inwardly started to fade. It is no longer solid as a whole ideological power. If communism is now a problem again in Indonesia, I do not know what or who is being referred to. Those responsible for security probably know exactly.
Q: Do you see something behind these warnings?
A: It is worth noting that the fight against social injustice, defending the common people, the fight for legal certainty, social welfare and other causes are not the monopoly of communist teachings. These are very human concerns. I think all great religions impart such teachings. And (state ideology) Pancasila also advocates social justice. Therefore, to brand fighting for social justice as "communism" is false. We need to know why people fight for justice. If what people say is true, we should pay attention to the reasons (for the protests). Not the criticisms.
Q: Suppose the government reacted like that, what would the result be?
A: By doing so, we would not stifle criticism. We are pushing for democracy. With democracy man's dignity is enhanced. Thus, we create genuine Pancasila people. That should be our positive starting point. I am not ignoring the fact that ours is a pluralistic society which is vulnerable to insidious issues. We must be watchful against them. However, do not forget that a disturbance to national integrity can also take place due to social gaps. We must be grateful if truly patriotic, nationalist people make criticisms. It shows that they are concerned about our nation.
Q: There is an impression that the government looks any social movement with suspicion.
A: Charging somebody should be the second step after an accusation turns out to be true. If people say wages are below standard, we have to look into the matter. If it is not true there is a possibility that they former PKI members who want to divide the nation. But the important thing is to avoid the underpayment of workers.
Q: So, the important thing is to first check what has been said, rather than to arrest those concerned?
A: Check first. Look first into the causes. Therefore, in our pluralistic community, formal as well as non-formal leaders should be prudent in offering their opinions.
Q: It is said that unrecognized labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan's father was involved in a communist-related incident?
A: I do not have any proof or reports on it so it is hard for me to offer an evaluation. I have only heard some statements.
Q: Suppose the charge were true?
A: Still one cannot judge in such a way as if the disease or the sin is hereditary. I do not believe in hereditary sin.
Q: What about the Central Java farmers who were arrested on charges of attempting to set up an Islamic state?
A: That needs to be proven. They cannot be branded just like that. It could give rise to anxiety. It is worse if, due to emotion, mutual suspicion reigns in the community. That is even harder to get under control.
Q: Communists do exist in some countries and those countries do not seem to face the kind of danger perceived here. Why is that?
A: As I have said communist teachings are not attractive anymore. They have failed on their own account. Particularly in Indonesia they met with failure due to their inability to respond to our nation's principles.
Q: There have also been charges that some people are trying to distort history through the publication of books, such as Oei Tjoe Tat's memoirs?
A: There are a number of inaccuracies in the memoirs. But it is up to us to deal with it. They can become materials for discussion or, if we are not willing to look into it now, maybe in 10 years the next generation can do that. I have also written on the 1965 abortive communist coup and I am convinced that it was brought about by the PKI. And I am prepared to defend my opinion in front of the people who do not believe that the PKI was behind the coup.
Q: Some people think all these warnings about communism has to do with the 1997 general elections, as a move to preempt vocal NGOs and other activists.
A: Why should there be fear? Except if the NGOs or the activists are bringing up superficial issues or deliberately inciting the masses. If they really present concrete issues, based on observation, why should the government be afraid?
Finally, it should be remembered that the authorities are also human beings who have consciences. I do not agree with the prejudice that the authorities are a bad lot. They also have feelings, thoughts and common sense. If you come to them with a clear explanation of a problem, they will certainly listen to you. If they cannot speak while they are in power, some day their power will end. Experience has shown that former commanders, ministers, generals, governors and others are also endowed with feelings like us. (hbk, swa)
Harry Tjan Silalahi, a secretary-general of the Crush Gestapo- PKI Action Front in 1965, is now Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.