Gus Dur and his guesswork

Gus Dur and his guesswork

Admittedly, it was meant to be a confidential political
whisper from President Abdurrahman Wahid, or (cleric) Gus Dur,
about some military commanders he saw as attempting or just
conspiring to undermine the authority of his government. But
because it was conducted in front of television cameras, the
whisper turned into an explosion that shocked the nation like an
earthquake of serious magnitude.

Every person and public organization has since begun to
analyze, speculate and draw conclusions as to the social and
international ramifications.

Personally, I find it regretful that Gus Dur should let off
steam in the wrong place and time, at least if we take his
position as head of state into consideration. Those in the
military, and close to him, advised that Gus Dur should instead
take action, and not make known "an intelligence secret" to the
world.

Of course, he is not "afraid" of a possible military uprising
against him, given that his followers would easily cope with
that. But such a statement can easily be interpreted by
investors. According to him, everything is not all right
concerning security in the long-term. Are members of the
Singapore Chamber of Commerce not a bit hesitant in investing
their money here after they learned of the unsafe situation in
whatever form.

It would be pitiful, indeed, if traveling about the globe so
many times to assure investors that Indonesia is safe, he himself
destroyed his own work.

Again, ethically as a cleric, he has nothing to hide and
nothing to keep some vital information on intelligence matters to
himself, but as a head of state or a statesman he would be wiser
not to be so generous in public or before the television cameras.
The right place is before parliament or before ministers in
charge of security.

The nation is wrapped in smoke and smog is affecting
neighboring countries due to the fires burning forests, annoying
many foreigners.

Gus Dur should not release another blanket of guess work over
the heads of his loyal followers who are engaged in democracy.

It is to be hoped that this extraordinary man does not slip or
fall into the trap of his opponents, who are still great in both
numbers and resources.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta