Former minister launches book

Former minister launches book

JAKARTA: Former minister of defense Mahfud M.D. launched on Monday a 321-page book describing his experiences as a member of the cabinet in the government of former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid.

The book, titled One Year with Gus Dur, described the chronology of Mahfud's relationship with Gus Dur, his appointment as defense minister and his relations with other politicians.

Another fellow minister Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, who was invited to the launching ceremony to comment on Mahfud's book, said Gus Dur was an interesting figure.

The book, according to Sarwono, tried to reveal some of the interesting sides of Gus Dur, who was removed by members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in July 2001 for incompetence.

Also present in the book launching were former minister of regional autonomy Ryaas Rasyid, former minister of manpower Al Hilal Hamdi and former minister of education Yahya Muhaimin. -- JP