On intellectuals

On intellectuals

The Chairman of ICMI (Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals), B.J. Habibie denies the accusations that the organization which is based on religion is leading to sectarianism. He says that PIKI (Association of Indonesian Christian Intelligentsia), ISKA (Association of Catholic Scholars) and ICMI were established to welcome the second stage of the National Awakening. In this era we need quality workers who are not only well-versed in science and technology but also have faith and devotion to religion and Indonesian culture.

It is said that intellectual organizations are designed to keep away from politics because the people's aspirations can already be channeled through the three existing political parties--Golkar, PPP and PDI.

We certainly do not want the intellectual associations to get involved in politics. Politics should serve as a tool not an end. Intellectuals should not forget their social commitment to enhance the living standards of the majority of the population and bring about social changes, progress and justice.

-- Pikiran Rakyat, Bandung