'ICMI is Habibie', say scholars

'ICMI is Habibie', say scholars

SEMARANG (JP): The Association of Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) has become too identified with its incumbent chairman B.J. Habibie, two political analysts said.

"ICMI would not have gotten this far if it wasn't for Habibie," Amir Santoso of the University of Indonesia in Jakarta.

"From its beginning, Habibie has been a symbol of identification with ICMI," Amir said in Semarang on Thursday, adding that it was almost difficult to separate the two.

Habibie, who is also the state minister of research and technology, is almost certain to clinch the ICMI chairmanship election at the group's congress in Jakarta today.

Most delegates to the congress have said they supported his re-election. However, Habibie has repeatedly denied that ICMI has grown powerful and influential because of his leadership.

Amir said it is the wish of almost any organization in Indonesia to be able to recruit a senior government official, or someone close to the President, as this would guarantee them certain privileges and accesses.

Nobody could blame ICMI delegates at the ongoing congress for wanting to see Habibie re-elected, he said, adding that other organizations should not become envious.

Vocal Moslem playwright Emha Ainun Nadjib said the congress confirmed that ICMI's reliance on Habibie has become absolute. "It is difficult for ICMI to let go of Habibie."

He warned that the congress should find an alternative figure as chairman precisely because of Habibie's growing political clout.

Emha proposed Emil Salim, a former cabinet minister whose name has also been mentioned as a possible candidate at the congress in Jakarta, for the job.

"Emil is a universal figure and has access everywhere. And unlike Habibie, he has not fallen into any political camp."

"I'm not saying that Habibie is a bad choice. He's good, he is sincere and has the noblest intention for Indonesia and its people. But we're talking about a political game here, and he can fall down," Emha said.

Political scholar Ariel Heryanto said ICMI has become an institution that is too oriented towards politics and power, and has been less effective in protecting the interests of the "little people".

Ariel recognized that in the five years of its existence, ICMI has made a significant contribution to national development. "In the future, it would be better if ICMI also dedicates its services to non-Moslems, as well as Moslems." (har/emb)