Sarwono gets his knuckles rapped

Sarwono gets his knuckles rapped

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja was reprimanded by President Soeharto yesterday for a recent outburst against fellow cabinet members.

"Yes, I was advised to control my behavior," Sarwono told journalists after meeting with the President at the Merdeka Palace.

"I accepted the advice, because, well, I work for the president," he said.

During a recent interview with Forum magazine, Sarwono expressed concerns about some of his fellow cabinet members, saying that "some of the current problems are of their own creation."

Sarwono was known for his sharp criticism and analysis of the political situation during his days as a Golkar politician and before he was recruited into the cabinet in 1988.

More recently, he has become vocal again, airing his views on various political issues.

When asked which part of his behavior he was ordered to control, he said; "My talking too much ... I think it would be better if I channel this particular trait into my state duties," which is on environmental issues.

"It won't be easy for you guys to get statements from me from now on," Sarwono said.

The minister said it was in his nature to be outwardly, and thus people often consulted him on many things, including the recent formation of new organizations.

He said that despite not being directly involved or being an initiator of these organizations, his advice was often sought.

When pushed further on his own personal feelings thought about this whole affair, Sarwono said "Well personal feelings are relative. At the time I was talking casually about things as they were."

"But I do need to be reminded now and then that my responsibility to the state does not allow me to aggressively follow my traits," he added.

In a related development, the executive board of the '66 Communication and Study Forum (Fosko 66), a forum of student leaders of the mid-1960s, announced yesterday that it was going to dismiss one of its members for remarks made against Sarwono.

The Forum's secretary general, Joesri Ma'roef, said it was revoking Sumarno Dipodisastro's membership and expressed its apology to Sarwono and President Soeharto, Antara reported.

Sumarno had asked Sarwono to resign from the cabinet because of the remarks attacking fellow cabinet members.

Joesri said Sumarno had no right to speak on behalf of the forum in calling for the resignation of a minister.

The student leaders of the mid-1960s led the street demonstrations which caused the downfall of president Sukarno in 1967 and the rise of Soeharto to power.

Sarwono is one of the few student leaders from that period who have had a successful political career. (mds)