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