Cultural observer Dick Hartoko dies

SEMARANG (JP): Former editor of the respected Basis cultural magazine, Dick Hartoko, 79, died here on Saturday.

Dick who was also a scholar and a Catholic priest was buried in Ungaran on Sunday.

A prolific writer, Dick had written many books and translated Manunggaling Kawula Gusti (union with God), a dissertation by Zoetmoelder, a renowned scholar of Javanese culture and a fellow priest.

Dick is best remembered for his column Tanda-tanda Zaman (signs of the times) in Basis, a magazine he edited from 1957 to 1995.

He also lectured at Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University, State Academy of Islamic Studies (IAIN) Kalijaga and Indonesian Fine Arts Institute (ISI). In later years he also wrote articles for Bahana magazine.

Dick who had been staying at Ernaus old folk's home in Ungaran for three years was admitted to the hospital after he fractured his spine when he fell from his chair. He underwent an operation and regained consciousness only after several days.

In July he typed the following words into his cherished manual typewriter: "When I arrived in Ernaus, I had to make a choice between whether I have to live as a Napoleon in St Helena or Arie Smit (painter) in Kuta beach. I chose the later. Let the waves roar, that is the sign of life. I don't want to die without doing anything. In the morning, after reading the newspapers I go to the library to read the latest magazines and then go to my room to type my articles for Bahana magazine. I don't want to live like a vegetable. I want to be continually productive like Romo Zoet (Zoetmoelder) who continued to write until he was 75 years old."

When the Post visited Dick at his sick bed a few days ago, Dick said that as soon as he recuperated he wanted to make a visit to Jatiroto, a town in East Java, the place where he was born of Javanese and Dutch parentage.

Not very long time ago, he related the following story to the Post.

Dick attended a gathering in the past, organized by the government-backed Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) attended by former president Soeharto, where he was present representing Basis magazine.

The president shook his hand saying: "So, here is Romo Mangun." The former president was known for his dislike of Romo Mangun, a Catholic priest who fought for the fate of displaced villagers of Kedung Ombo. Dick just kept silent.

Apart from being a scholar and cultural observer, Dick was also known for his work for the poor and the homeless. (53/hbk)