Do not forget General Yusuf

Do not forget General Yusuf

From Forum Keadilan

The article about Lt. Gen. Achmad Kemal Idris in Forum
recently was quite interesting, especially the information about
his recently published biography. The life story of one of the
best sons of the nation should be read especially by those born
after 1965. And being the biography of one of the founders of the
New Order, the book should have a special color to enhance its
value.

However, it seems that another retired general, M. Yusuf, is
almost forgotten despite his important role in connection with
Supersemar, a historical letter issued during the turbulent
period of transfer of power from former president Sukarno to Gen.
Soeharto. The life of this general, who graduated from an
infantry course in Georgia, the United States, should also be
compiled in a biography. Surely, this man who served as trade and
industry minister (1964-1968) and as chairman of the Supreme
Audit Agency (1983-1993) must have something valuable to say for
the people. The more so, when we realize he also once served as
minister of defense and Army chief (1978-1983).

In recent years, he has been very active in religious affairs,
being the founding father of the Al Markas Al Islam Mosque in
Ujungpandang, the largest Islamic Center in eastern Indonesia.

However, it may not be easy to persuade the general who holds
the Mahaputra Adiprana medal to have his biography written. The
writers of his biography would, at least, have to share the
general's perceptions and the faith in the cause for which he
fought.

G. Suhairy

Pekanbaru 28001