Paying a call on Soeharto

Paying a call on Soeharto

From Merdeka

Probsutedjo, half brother of former president Soeharto, has declared Soeharto is making a special effort to become a "pundit". These are modern times, so anyone wishing to be a "saintly" man must be declared. In Javanese culture it is common for a person to retire into an ascetic life style when approaching the end of his days, setting a good example for his disciples.

Many social figures, with different motives, of course, have dared to pay a courtesy call on Soeharto. Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, visited Soeharto. But Amien Rais, chairman of the National Mandate Party, has no intention of seeing Soeharto until the latter repents and returns his allegedly ill-gotten wealth.

Nurcholis Madjid, another noted figure, has a different story to tell. When he was summoned by Soeharto, he boldly replied: "Sorry, I don't want to come for the time being."

Why should Soeharto indulge himself in summoning people? He should instead become a good pundit, and not emulate Durno, the fraudulent pundit from the puppet tale.

SOEHARTONO FA HIEN

Bandung, West Java