Multatuli's message

Multatuli's message

Any exchange of views that occurs between an expatriate and an
Indonesian reader in the readers forum of The Jakarta Post on a
topic that bears an instructive message must certainly be
welcome. Such writings contribute to enrich knowledge and
information, particularly to Indonesian readers. So the advantage
in terms of widening visions of the intellectualism is surely
heartening.

But on the contrary, when the furious exchange of views
reaches such an extent as to assume the tune of unbridled
polemics, incited by scornful and indecent utterances from both
sides, the debate will become boring. Any entanglement that
brings forth sensitive aspects and inevitable implications of
past colonialism is bound to drag up sentiments of national pride
and grandeur among the contending parties.

As self-restraint is lacking in the use of expressions, the
polemics become futile and willy-nilly turns the "beloved column"
of the readers into a polluted hodgepodge. We must guard against
such a degradation.

As the readers forum of the Post provides interesting reading
material, I have called upon my grandson, who is learning
English, to read the letters, if they are not too difficult.
Therefore, it is natural that letters presenting polemics between
readers, that degenerate into personal quibbling, should only be
frowned upon.

Meanwhile, taking advantage of the happy coincidence of
encountering a reference to Multatuli's book Max Havelaar, in one
argument from the pen of an expatriate reader (the Post, April
1), I hailed the reference to the legendary book, of which I
happen to have a copy.

In beautiful (Dutch) language, which also uses French and
German in presenting some poems, Multatuli (pen name for Douwes
Dekker, Dutch administrator in South Banten (Lebak) from about
1839 to 1856) wrote the classic message: "to you I dedicate my
book, William the Third, more than prince, grand duke and
king, ... Emperor of the magnificent realm of Insulinde, that
girdles around the equator as a sash of emeralds. (And there) are
more than thirty million subjects mistreated and suck out (Dutch:
mishandeld en uitgezogen) on your behalf" (translated version).

An abundance of sumptuous prose fills the book which
demonstrates Multatuli's unique style, which is exemplified by
the following passages.

(Translated version) "For I know that the Lord loves the poor,
and that he gives riches to those who he wants to put to the
test, but to the poor he sends his messages in order that they
will rise from their misery. Does not the Lord give rain where
the haulm withers and a dewdrop to the flower calyx that feels
thirst?

And it is not the rain that is lacking, for the tops of the
mountains suck the clouds of heavens to reach the earth. And not
everywhere are rocks that denies place to the root, for in many
places the land is soft and fertile and calls for the grain seed,
which she will reciprocate in bending haul."

Looking forward to the challenge for us to subdue the economic
crisis, I sense that such a message is far more pleasing and
encouraging to hear than any dredging up of past tales of
colonialism, except for the tribute indebted to the Dutch
"Ethical Movement" (Dutch: Ethische Richting, 1899) calling for
Irrigation, Emigration and Education, sponsored by Dutch
educators Van Deventer, Brooshooft, Abendanon, Nabbema, Fock and
supported by Prof. Snouck Hurgronje and Prof. Van Vollenhoven
(former Indonesian law students hailing from Leiden University,
like Soenario, Soesanto Tirtoprodjo, Wirjono Prodjodikoro and
others paid respect to Prof. Van Vollenhoven).

S. SUHAEDI

Jakarta