Habibie wants to build 'a democratic RI'
Habibie wants to build 'a democratic RI'
JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie reiterated his strong
ambition yesterday to make Indonesia a peaceful, wealthy and
democratic country.
He said in the effort to realize the ambition, the nation
needed to learn from history in order to prevent a repeat of
negative experiences in the past, and to enhance positive
achievements.
"The task is very heavy. However, we realize that it is a
historical task put upon our shoulders," Habibie said when
opening the 15th conference of the International Associations of
Historians of Asia at the State Palace.
According to Taufik Abdullah, the associations' president, the
conference -- taking up the theme of "the significance of Asia as
a field of historical study" -- was being attended by 300
historians from 29 countries.
The president told the historians to conduct a thorough study
of the past mistakes and shortcomings of Asian countries so they
can be used as a valuable lesson by the nations concerned.
"Insightful study over the crisis currently attacking Asian
countries, will enable us to understand the faults made in the
past. Such assessment at least will be useful for us to reflect
upon and to design a better future," the President remarked.
Indonesian historians have long complained about how under
former president Soeharto history was written to glorify him and
pin the blame for past mistakes on his predecessor, founding
president Sukarno.
Several history teachers said they found it difficult to teach
the current history textbooks to their students as many just
laughed when they explained about the good deeds of Soeharto's
administration.
"I still have to explain that Soeharto is the father of our
development, but all that people know now is that he brought
economic disaster upon us," said a senior high school teacher at
SMA 22 in East Jakarta yesterday.
In his report to Habibie, Taufik pointed out, however, that
the current crisis could not be resolved only by blaming the
previous government.
"Reform cannot be implemented through condemnations. It can
only be realized if we have a clear vision of where we are
heading and how to get there," he noted. (prb)