Sound bites

Sound bites

I sincerely hope that lawyers are able to help Soekardjo
Wilardjito, the adjutant of first president Sukarno. It is indeed
a sad story and I do not believe he is an opportunist for
publicity, as claimed by the main protagonists. He merely wants
to restore his good name in his old age.

E.H. Carr, the historian, claimed that history was biased in
favor of those recording the events. The official New Order
version of March 11, 1966, is that Sukarno willingly signed the
Supersemar document to transfer executive powers. Soekardjo's
eyewitness account challenges this version and we should listen
to his side of the story for the following reasons.

Firstly, Soekardjo was imprisoned without trial for 12 years
as an alleged "communist" and subsequently denied his pension
from the Armed Forces. At the age of 71, he has surely suffered
enough.

Secondly, the historic Supersemar letter, or material
evidence, has mysteriously "disappeared."

Thirdly, the documentary footage of Sukarno's handover of
power is enlightening to the case. Sukarno, the superb linguist
and orator, is surrounded by several people. He speaks
confidently in perfect English: "I, Sukarno, President of the
Republic of Indonesia, do hereby appoint... (there is a pause)...
Major General Soeharto." At this point he appears to comically
feign absent-mindedness. He looks over his shoulder domineeringly
and bellows authoritatively, "Where is the fellow?"

To those who understand the subtle nuances of the English
language, as Sukarno obviously did, this short news footage
speaks volumes. It demonstrates that the hand-over was enforced
and shows his lack of respect for the "successor" as he spits out
the word "appoint." Furthermore, it dispels the myth that Sukarno
resigned for reasons of ill-health, as he looks strong and
healthy for his age.

The news footage is a classic; long may it survive as a
historical reminder.

S. STEELE

Jakarta