Indonesian history

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