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)