Free Idul Fitri for Soebandrio and Omar Dhani
Free Idul Fitri for Soebandrio and Omar Dhani
JAKARTA (JP): Former political prisoners Soebandrio and Omar Dhani, released from prison last August by President Soeharto, celebrated their first Idul Fitri at home in 30 years.
Accompanied by his son and grandsons, Soebandrio braved the pouring rain to say his Idul Fitri prayer at the Sunda Kelapa Grand Mosque north of his home in Central Jakarta.
The 81-year-old former foreign affairs minister, convicted for his role in the 1965 aborted coup attempt by the outlawed Indonesian Communist Party, remained until the service was over.
Omar Dhani, the former air force chief during the era of the late president Sukarno and convicted for the same crime, stayed at home on Jl. Cipaku in Kebayoran Lama.
Both men said they were grateful the government released them, giving them the opportunity to spend their old age with their families.
"Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for only 26 years," Soebandrio told The Jakarta Post. He said, however, he never regretted the time he spent at the Cipinang correctional facility because it gave him the opportunity to learn a lot. He found deep solace in Islam in prison, he said.
Soebandrio said he now reads up to three sura from the Koran everyday, an activity which absorbs two or three hours.
"I believe there is only one God, who orders everything in the world. We are only His creatures. I used to be an arrogant person, during the time when I was a senior official and people in this country adulated me," he said.
Before Ramadhan, Soebandrio took a daily walk around his house. Now, according to his wife, Sri Kusdyantinah, Soebandrio is weak after undergoing a hernia operation two weeks ago.
"I hope not to die soon, because I want to write three books on the Old Order administration, a portion of which will also include the period from 1945 to 1964," Soebandrio said.
Since he cannot afford a secretary, Soebandrio must write it all himself. He relies on his memory because many of his documents were lost when he was arrested.
Soebandrio said his book will be an "affirmation of the nation-building" process of the country.
The process would have been completed if it had not been for the communist coup attempt, he said. Fortunately, "we are such a big country, so that, even with the coup, we remained united," he said.
"I am very proud of this country, because we are not divided as India and Pakistan. I am proud of Sukarno, Hatta, Sjahrir, and Soeharto, all of them great men who gave -- and is giving -- their best for the country," Soebandrio said.
Asked about his plans, Omar Dhani, who has been reticent since his release, said he would spend much time with his children and grandchildren. He also plans to attend a high school reunion in Surakarta, Central Java.
"I just want to take a rest. I just want to take care of my plants in my garden. They're all a gift from Pak Budiardjo," Omar Dhani said, referring to the former minister of information.
Soebandrio, who some people believe knows the whereabouts of the "Revolution Fund" -- a huge amount of money said to be amassed by Sukarno during the turbulent years -- said he will sell his house.
Jl. Imam Bonjol is a sought after address in Jakarta, and is lined with the residences of government officials and foreign dignitaries. It is estimated that the house and land could sell for Rp 8 billion (US$3.42 million). (16)