Development paradigm

Your interview with Loekman Soetrisno (Nation needs new development paradigm, Dec. 28, 1996) contained a number of spurious bits of information that need to be clarified.

While I do not intend to cast aspersions on the well regarded sociologist, I do realize that interviews are not always accurate portrayals of a person's position. First, reiterating the misconception that the Chinese ethnic population is Christian is not helpful. The Jakarta Post needs to make clear that the Chinese population is spread among a variety of religious beliefs.

Secondly, the statement that "most churches also receive donations from abroad" is half a century out of date. There is no evidence of this. I have worked here off and on for 30 years in education and I know of very few churches that receive donations from abroad. Indonesian churches are self supporting. It is true that many hospitals, orphanages, and other social institutions receive donations from abroad as do those of other religions and those of the government as well.

Thirdly, the statement that Pentecostal members "go door to door converting people or distributing brochures" sounds like Mr. Soetrisno is a voice from the 1970s. Yes, this was once done and may rarely occur today, but not for 18 years has this been a problem.

The Tasikmalaya explosion clearly had nothing to do with Christian activity but rather implicated Christians due to the fact that certain media and leaders keep stirring the pot as though Christianity was a threat to the community. If we had responsible reporting of the actual situations, I believe the community would be more calm and accurate in evaluating its actions.

ROGER DIXON

Bandung, West Java