Erroneous history and the future

I refer to Soegih Arto's letter titled No hidden motive behind this?, (The Jakarta Post, May 16, 2001) and the assertion it contains that "Sukarno and Soeharto's downfalls were not caused by foreign efforts", but "purely by Indonesians".

This bald assertion simply does not stand up to even cursory examination and such a belief, in my view, is so erroneous that, if it is widely held, it will seriously impede the progress of this nation.

Indonesia is an enormous archipelago that is both rich in various commodities and straddles strategic sea routes from east Asia to south Asia, Africa and Europe. This fact has had a huge impact on world history and, not surprisingly, the history and culture of Indonesia reflect the considerable influences of Arabia, India, China, Europe and, more recently, America. Indonesians, therefore, need to appreciate their important place in the global scheme of things and not assume they act in isolation.

Sukarno was indisputably deposed, albeit covertly, as a result of American and European political, military and economic might. Soeharto's demise was finally sealed when, as has happened in other parts of the world, the United States withdrew its support for the dictator who no longer controlled the country and, thus, ceased to serve a purpose.

Before Indonesia can set its own course with any accuracy, it needs to acknowledge and understand the international political and financial winds and currents that constantly bear down on it from every angle.

FRANK RICHARDSON

Jakarta