Not speech writer

In the article New Islamic parties attempt to cater for all tastes by Hery Nurdi (May 21, 1999), I was said to be a "speech writer for Soeharto" in the early years of his presidency.

I would like to stress that I have never been a speech writer for Soeharto. From 1966 to 1968 I was indeed a member of a team of experts in politics attached to the private staff of the presidium-chairman/acting president Soeharto. Members of the team of experts included a few lecturers/professors from the University of Indonesia. Our task was to give suggestions to the acting president through the coordinator of the private staff, the late Gen. Alamsjah Perwiranegara. However, most of our suggestions were not accepted by the acting president.

From 1968 on I have had no contact whatsoever with the power holders. In 1974 I was banned from teaching in state as well as private universities all over Indonesia.

DELIAR NOER

Jakarta