Intellectuals and politics

From Sinar Pagi

The issue of organization of intellectuals is not confined to whether people agree or disagree on the establishment of an organization, but, from a wider perspective, whether these intellectuals may involve themselves actively in politics. And finally they should be able to formulate their own identity. Who should be labeled as intellectuals?

To date, it is incorrectly perceived that only members of political parties/organizations may join "practical politics." Politics belongs to the three political organizations -- the Golkar Functional Group, United Development Party and Indonesian Democratic Party. Whereas outsiders may have the knowledge about politics.

In fact, to talk about politics is to talk about an issue related to the interests of the people as a whole. So, to speak about poverty eradication is essentially speaking about politics. Politics is also surely concerned with efforts to combat backwardness and ignorance prevailing in the society.

Based on the above perception, it is logical, and even ideal, for the intellectuals to take up practical politics. If, on the other hand, there is an intellectual who is not concerned with the interests of the people, we should doubt his or her intellectual faculties. Failing in the commitment to serve the interests of the society, and instead being committed only to a group or organization is branded as "intellectual prostitution."

The society is expecting a more positive role to be played by the intellectuals without them trying to be a member of any one political party. It is even better for the intellectuals to have the capability to manage an organization and place themselves as an integral part of the society, knowing what the people's needs are.

SALIM LUBIS

Jakarta