Magsaysay award

Magsaysay award

I read with interest the report on the Magsaysay award
presented to Pramoedya Ananta Toer. The choice had drawn protests
from some prominent intellectuals in Indonesia. It is evident
that intellectuals are divided in this matter. Taufiq Ismail and
his friend on the one hand, and noted sociologist Arief Budiman
and others on the other. The latter agrees with the award (The
Jakarta Post, Aug. 12, 1995).

Considering the arguments forwarded by both sides, I come to
the conclusion that they are both right. Taufiq Ismail, Mochtar
Lubis, Rendra and others are right to say that Pramoedya had
committed a great sin in his campaign to oppress the creativity
of non-communist writers in the early 1960s. It is not only a sin
in the literary intellectuals but it is also a sin to the science
and human civilization. So their protest against the Magsaysay
award for Pramoedya is understandable.

On the other hand, Arief Budiman is right in having a great
soul. What Arief did is a difficult maneuver. But he could do it.
I appreciate the way he did. I think he is a true democrat,
judging his way of thinking. He demanded us to have a great soul.

Now we have to consider what is the Magsaysay award for? Is
the award given to someone who has a lifetime dedication to
literature? Or, is it done for one's works?

I agree with Arief that we have to make an effort to create a
new culture--democratic culture. We don't have to show vengeance
or we should not abuse power.

MOEFLICH HASBULLAH

Bandung, West Java