Lukman Harun's opinion

Lukman Harun's opinion

From Merdeka

Lukman Harun's way of thinking as reported by Merdeka of Feb. 27 is very disturbing. I do not agree on a number of points.

1. Muhammadiyah members should not talk to the press directly. Does Muhammadiyah want Lukman Harun to become a kind of censor or a political organization that has to adjust itself to the wishes of the government?

For us, Muhammadiyah, like Nahdlatul Ulama, is an Islamic (community) and its leaders are members who form a group to function as a center of communication. Thus, each person must be free to voice his or her opinion as long as it is in the interests of the community.

2. What is "political meaning" according to Lukman Harun? For us, the things expressed by Amien Rais are not related to the state and are not state policies either.

I have followed his thoughts in various newspapers (Merdeka, Kompas, Media Indonesia Minggu and Bernas). None of his thoughts are related to politics but to the struggle for people's rights. As chairman of Muhammadiyah, Amien Rais was aware of being a figure of the people, and therefore he had to struggle for their rights.

3. Lukman Harun was Muhammadiyah's spokesman for 10 years. It is logical that during his tenure (before Amien Rais') it was felt that Muhammadiyah did not struggle enough for people's rights. Evidently Lukman Harun was successful in his censorship. It has also become clear to me why Amien Rais prefers to speak directly to journalists.

4. If necessary, report to the President? I have the impression that Lukman Harun does not know the problems so he naively thinks that the problems will be solved by seeing the President. Try to follow the Busang case from the beginning. I think it is Lukman Harun who is playing tactics.

ABDUL RIVAI HARAHAP

Yogyakarta