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