New intellectual group founded

New intellectual group founded

PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): A new organization of
intellectuals, calling itself the Association of Intellectuals
for Pancasila Development (PCPP), was launched on the weekend.

The group, chaired by Rubijanto Misman, proclaims itself an
"open and non-political" organization whose membership is not
based on race, ethnicity or religion.

"An intellectual does not have to have academic predicates
such as professor or doctor. A farmer who discovers techniques
that can be used by other farmers can regard himself an
intellectual and can become a member," Rubijanto told reporters
at the inauguration of the group on Saturday night.

Rubijanto said his group does not intended to challenge the
existence of some current intellectual organizations, or to
become an alternative to those organizations.

This was a clear reference to the Association of Indonesian
Moslem Intellectuals, which has become influential since it was
founded five years ago. The Moslem association is headed by B.J.
Habibie, the state minister of research and technology.

The chief objective of PCPP is to help empower the people in
the current era of rapid globalization, he said.

Other intellectuals present at the PCPP launch included Anarn
Siswowijoto, Soeyatno Wongsokenongo, Soedjito, Darjono Watiman,
Mulyo Wahyadi, Bambang Prijono, Iswanto and Hartarti Prawironoto.

Rubijanto said the new forum hopes to eventually set up
branches throughout Indonesia. (wah)