Man of letters

On July 7, 2001, several TV stations reported President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's meeting with renowned sastrawan (man of letters) Pramoedya Ananta Toer (Pram) in Bogor. Sastrawan, according to Indonesian language experts, is an expert in literature, a poet or an intellectual.

Pram's suggestions to Gus Dur implies that he is a man of letters who has been contaminated by practical politics.

The strong language he used could damage his reputation as a scholar. Generally speaking, a scholar should at least know the content of the 1945 Constitution and the conditions that can lead to a special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) before commenting on them.

Men of letters who have a good understanding of this matter will not give misleading suggestions. Pram's suggestion that Gus Dur be adamant in facing his political opponents is preposterous.

In resolving crucial matters, Gus Dur's political opponents who are mostly members of the House Representatives (DPR) always refer to the Constitution and prevailing stipulations for an MPR special session.

Please bear in mind that DPR/MPR existence is supported by the National Police and Indonesian Military.

To try to regain his reputation, it is advisable that Pram revoke his suggestions through the local and foreign media.

SUNGKOWO SOKAWERA

Bandung