Indonesian history

I would like to be among the first to pass on condolences to all remaining members of the Nasution family, on the passing of Bapak Abdul Haris Nasution, who I feel, from what limited research we have of Indonesian history printed in English, must surely rate as Indonesia's greatest unsung hero. Some comfort can be drawn from the realization that the softly spoken general is now reunited with his daughter Ade Irma, whose innocent young life was mercilessly ended on the morning of Oct. 1, 1965. God bless you both.

The question remains, why, as the founding member of The Council of Generals and the sole survivor of the Lubang Buaya massacre, was Pak Nasution not assigned the task of reuniting the politically devastated nation? None of my research has delivered a decisive answer, nor has many a discussion with Indonesian friends. Perhaps Bapak Soegih Arto, whose letters I always enjoy -- and yes, I read your book Indonesia and I years ago, several times in fact -- can provide an answer.

G.N. BROWN

Sanur, Bali