Gus Dur's planned visit to Aceh

On the advise of Minister of Defense Mahfud MD, President Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur is now scheduled to visit Aceh on Dec. 19, 2000, not on Dec. 15, 2000 upon his return from his trip to Bangkok, as previously planned.

The dates do not really matter as long as Gus Dur's intention to come to Aceh is genuine, not undertaken as a fulfillment of a promise.

The questions are: 1. Did the presidential staff and ministers never think of a proper plan in the first place? 2. Was it Gus Dur's own wish to stop by Aceh on his way back from Bangkok? 3. The explanation given by the minister of defense was reported as follows: "the initial plan would create an impression that Gus Dur was not serious and only stopping-by". Was Gus Dur really not serious about making a special, historic trip to Aceh?

Perhaps for Gus Dur, it has always been more interesting to travel abroad than to our troubled provinces. The fact that the purpose of his upcoming trip to Bangkok is "among others" to receive a doctorate award, may indicate this preference, as in many cases the event can be held in the recipient's country.

Did he or his subordinates ever plan visits to the areas/places recently devastated by earthquakes and floods, to share his compassion and concern for the suffering people? Or is it perhaps (again) not interesting to him, or less important than receiving an award?

Y. LUCAS

Jakarta