I can see clearly now
During my brief stay in the western Australian city of Perth, I sent a couple of letters which found their way into the letters column of this newspaper.
To Mr. Yaluritja of Koondoola, West Australia, who happens to be a subscriber of The Jakarta Post, I would like to apologize for the fact that I did not write enough about the plight of the aboriginal people of that country. But I would like to assure Mr. Yaluritja (the Post, June 28, 2000) that I was and still am aware of their past and present aspirations, including their historical and cultural rights.
The main purpose of my visit to Australia was, however, a medical check-up, and I only wrote about my superficial impressions of the country and was not planning to make a study of Australian political or cultural life.
Yes, the name of the Australian prime minister I interviewed in 1976 about East Timor was not John Fraser, but Malcolm Fraser. John was Fraser's press secretary and I often confuse the names.
About the kangaroos, it is correct that they do not lay eggs, but give birth in the way common among mammals. At the time I wrote that, I was perhaps drinking too much Australian wine.
Maybe the Conservative Party, to which Malcolm Fraser belonged, will also forgive me for my forgetfulness or carelessness. So far, I have not received any reaction from the kangaroos or the koalas.
I came to Australia to have my eye lenses replaced with artificial lenses, because I was diagnosed with cataracts. The Lion International-sponsored Eye Center in Perth, under the direction of internationally reputed Professor Ian Constable, performed the operation on me with success. Now I no longer need to wear glasses.
I also underwent surgery at the private Holywood Hospital for cardiac irregularities. The surgery was performed by Dr. Cope. I met a number of Indonesians seeking the services of both institutes. Actually, similar facilities are available in Indonesia and you do not need to travel to Australia to check your eyes or heart.
GANDHI SUKARDI
Jakarta