Criticism may find expression

President Soeharto has heartened many, including the editors of this newspaper, with his humble admission in his inaugural speech that to become a better President he needs to receive criticism. This invitation to express criticism is an important step in the direction of the reform that the people are now pleading for. But the President will need to ensure that others do not derail his new initiative. In Indonesia, it seems, sometimes criticism -- of the "system," of a high-level official, or of a policy -- is characterized as an insult to the person or institution criticized. The President has asked for criticism, but at the same time, insulting the President is a crime.

If someone is encouraged by the presidential speech to voice criticism of a decision or a policy of the President, will the critic be arrested and charged with insulting the President? Who will set the parameters that separate legitimate criticism from unlawful insult? Will the parameters be credible? And who will be the judge of this? Will the President be able to control the police and other authorities who may want to protect him from the pain of criticism by arresting vocal critics or silencing the media? If criticism is forthcoming, will the President then recall that criticism of authority figures is inconsistent with Indonesian cultural mores, and decline to honor his recent pledge to accept criticism? Can this invitation to express criticism be relied on, unless there is concrete follow-up quickly?

Actions speak louder than words. As a clear signal to those who, from misapplied respect, would shield the President from criticism by invoking penal measures, President Soeharto might take one of several courageous steps. He might meet personally with some of those who are the most respected, responsible, and vocal critics of his government. There are many to choose from: Amien Rais, Goenawan Mohamad, J. Soedjati Djiwandono,, Wimar Witoelar, Jusuf Wanandi, Franz Magnis-Suseno, Kwik Kian Gie, Ali Sadikin, Mari Pangestu, Mudji Sutrisno, Aleksius Jemadu, H.S. Dillon, etc.

The President might invite some of these new patriots of Indonesia to form a special council to help him develop a package of political reforms. Since the President now has enhanced authority to deal with the country's problems, he will be able to implement the most important reforms without further bureaucratic delays. The sight of President Soeharto himself working directly -- not through another cabinet minister -- with a council of his critics, would demonstrate the kind of courage and commitment to reform that will renew people's confidence in the President's political and economic leadership.

It would show that it is he, and not backstage cronies, who is running the country. As an even more conciliatory step, President Soeharto might consider granting amnesty to Sri Bintang Pamungkas, and then initiating a review of the law under which the government critic was charged. If President means to encourage responsible participation in the government by his critics, these actions would surely help loosen the muzzle of fear that often silences legitimate critics.

In a speech in 1963 President Kennedy said, "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." President Soeharto has signaled his understanding that Indonesia can no longer afford the luxury of a laissez-faire or obstructionist attitude toward reform. Gen. Soeharto bravely seized leadership in a time of crisis more than 30 years ago. Will President Soeharto now seize the initiative for peaceful reform by reaching out credibly to his most serious critics?

DONNA K. WOODWARD

Medan, North Sumatra