Schindler's List

Schindler's List in Indonesia?

From Sinar Pagi

To be able to see the controversial film, Schindler's List, in Indonesia would be a pleasure for me. It must be a very good film because it received a large number of Oscars.

I am sure that the film shows a true, historical picture of the Holocaust, which led to the deaths of millions of Jews at the hands of the Nazi Germans during World War II, rather than propagating Zionism.

In seeing or viewing the film, we should base our reactions on our consciences not on the basis of whether it might Zionist propaganda or not.

It is no different from films which tell, for instance, about the ruthless deeds of the Japanese troops in Asian countries during World War II and the aborted coup of the banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) in September 1965, which is known as G-30- S/PKI. The directors or makers of such films did not intend to make propaganda of a certain movement or "ism" but to put forth facts about something that happened.

Thus, if the government insists on banning Schindler's List from being shown in Indonesian theaters on the basis of several considerations, the decision will make this nation look naive and immature.

We should be open minded in this era of globalization and information as the public awareness of democratization and human rights issues increases.

If we ban this film, we will miss the chance to see a good film, which is widely appreciated in more developed countries. In addition, the film had been screened in Singapore, a developed ASEAN country, without any argument or incident.

It is good for us to follow the example of the progress- oriented people of the developed countries, rather than to sink into muddy sentiment and perceptions which will darken the conscience and lead us to narrow mindedness.

HARRY GERUNG

Jakarta

Political waves in Japan

From Kompas

As a Japanese citizen I feel ashamed at what is happening in the political arena in Japan, particularly that concerning the resignation of Japanese prime minister Hosokawa, and the conflicts between political parties in their effort to gain the seat of premiership. Following are my comments.

It is only natural that President Soeharto is concerned about the good relations between Indonesia and Japan in the context of the political developments in Japan. Also U.S. President Clinton has expressed his concern over the impact of the recent developments in the country on U.S.-Japan trade negotiations.

I am particularly ashamed because the Japanese politicians have sacrificed the national interest, especially the 1994/1995 state budget, which will have a great impact on the economy and life of the Japanese people.

By this I mean that they are ready to do anything in order to get a grip on the political power. The practice has become part of the political maneuvering in Japan, which is called Seiji No Nihon (political poverty).

I hope, however, that my Indonesian brethren can understand the situation that persists in Japan. It is a political struggle that is aimed at wiping out the established political culture through political reforms. By so doing we hope that Japan will be able to carry out programs which benefit the people as a whole, instead of only benefiting the politicians, and maintain stable international relations by readily responding to international issues.

Obviously, any political reform may create frictions and take time to materialize. But I am confident that the Japanese government -- either coalition government or LDP -- will maintain a good relationship and mutual understanding with friendly countries, including Indonesia.

MASARU ANTATSU

Jakarta

Who abuses the legal system?

From Media Indonesia

Former attorney general, minister of justice, and chief of the Supreme Court, Ali Said, said recently that the public should not only focus on judges' mistakes because the people themselves are disoriented in relation to legal matters and tend to abuse the nation's system of law for the sake of their own interests.

On behalf of the Indonesian people, we object to his accusation. Because it seems that he implied that all of the Indonesian people have committed crimes and other faults.

Let us bravely set out to prove who the real crooks are.

Who are the people now in jail for committing crimes (corruption, subversion, etc.)? They were certainly not able to abuse or manipulate the system of law to avoid punishment. They are not from among that certain group of people who have close relationships with the central power.

The people who receive special facilities to enrich themselves through collusion with top officials who are immune to law are in our streets, not our prisons. They have the power to abuse and manipulate the nation's legal system for the sake of their own advantages. And in the end this will mean ruin for them, if not for us all.

SOESILO

Jakarta

Is radio tax a fair policy?

From Kompas

Radio is the cheapest means of communication and helps to raise the intellectual level of the people. Its broadcasts can reach the remotest parts of the country.

In line with President Soeharto's ideal to wipe out poverty and educate the people, I would like to ask this question: "Is the radio tax fair and in compliance with the President's ideal?"

During my school days I learned that the Indonesian people were suppressed by the Dutch colonial government and asked to pay various taxes and fees. In that context it should be asked whether the radio tax constitutes progress or a setback.

B. WALUYO

Jakarta

The loss of the Supersemar letter

From Suara Karya

I have read in the media that the Supersemar (March 11) document is nowhere to be found. This is amazing indeed. I thought the administration of our archives was good, everything was in order and all documents were classified according to their subject matter.

I hope that the lost document will be found soon.

SLAMET YP

Tegal, Central Java

Discipline in school

From Media Indonesia

Recently a woman teacher, ER, of the PGRI Economic Senior High School, in Jakarta wanted to maintain a high sense of discipline in the school. She asked one of her students, HE, to see her before the class started and would not allow him to join the class before he did so.

This was done as a punishment for what he had done the previous day, when he left the class session without asking for permission from ER and did not come back until the class was over.

What ER asked was appropriate because the teacher's task is not only teaching but also educating the students.

The student, HE, reacted emotionally and unreasonable beat the teacher, hitting her in the jaw, neck and face several times. As a result ER had to be hospitalized.

Who is responsible for this incident? Naturally, in this case, the PGRI (Indonesian Teachers Association) should take the necessary steps to settle the matter and to prevent a recurrence.

We also hope that in the July 1994 Congress, PGRI will discuss a system for protecting teachers from acts of brutality and indiscipline.

R.B. SOEGIJANA

Jakarta