No hidden motive behind this?

No hidden motive behind this?

An article appearing in The Jakarta Post on May 14, 2001, titled NU warns of organized efforts to destroy RI, attracted my attention because it showed political maturity and a true democratic attitude. However, looking at the political origin of the speaker, I cannot escape a feeling that there is a hidden motive behind his statements, which I sincerely hope is not true.

Let us scrutinize what the NU (Nahdlatul Ulama Muslim organization - not a political organization) chairman Hasyim Muzadi said after attending an istigotshah mass prayer in Samarinda.

He warned Indonesia of foreign efforts to destroy the country and, as proof, pointed to the fact that an aircraft carrier is moving toward Indonesian waters, which is similar to the period leading to Sukarno and Soeharto's downfalls.

Sukarno and Soeharto's downfalls were not caused by foreign efforts; and certainly not by the movement of one aircraft carrier. The downfall of those two leaders was, in my opinion, caused purely by Indonesians.

One aircraft carrier, however big and however many planes it carries, will not be able to cause the downfall of our government. After all, we still have the Indonesian military to defend our country.

However, you have to consider his statement, and share his mistrust, regarding concern over the behavior of members of the political elite, who prioritize personal and group interests above all others and often disregard the public interest.

This warning is of course also directed at the National Awakening Party (PKB), which is uncompromising in its support of the current president. PKB is a political party which, at this moment, is in a very difficult political position. It has its back against the wall and is feeling very lonely.

Some people think that supporters of the President play a dual role, both overt and covert. While trying to play the political game, in a purely legal and democratic way, they organize forces which are preparing unlawful actions, like organizing death squads or using violence to intimidate opponents, etc.

I remember when their supporters felled trees in East Java to block traffic and the comment from the top was that those actions were understandable because they were in an angry mood. When supporters vowed to suck the blood from Amien Rais's body the comments were "that is logical" because Amien Rais insulted an NU leader.

Only at the end can we catch the real meaning of Muzadi's warning, when he added that the move to unseat President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid would not bring about any improvement to the country's situation, only more complications.

I read somewhere that the strength and stability of a country depends on two important pillars, i.e. the clergy and state officials. When these two groups are strong and compact then there will be a strong and stable country. However, if these groups are only thinking about their own fate, then the country will suffer. Indonesia's strength, stability and prosperity at this moment also depends upon these two other pillars i.e. religious leaders and the political elite.

I hope the warning of Hasyim Muzadi will impart wisdom into the hearts and minds of prominent politicians and religious leaders and end the suffering and hardship of the people.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta