Criticism may find expression

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