Teach the press a lesson, Gus Dur

I am not from East Java, nor a member of Nahdlatul Ulama, but no less than anyone else, including the kyai and santri, I uphold the legitimacy of Abdurrahman Wahid as president of this republic. No less than any other citizen in any other part of Indonesia, I hope that the President remains healthy, physically and mentally, actively providing leadership in guiding this nation to overcome the prevailing megacrisis. I am not a lawyer, but I am a firm believer in the dignity and integrity of the presidency as an institution.

That is why I am addressing this letter to President Abdurrahman Wahid (I prefer to address him as Gus Dur as many millions do so affectionately).

Personally, I was deeply moved reading a column in one of Jakarta's weeklies where a reporter asked the President why he had not taken legal action against the magazines and newspapers accusing him of alleged involvement in several serious scandals. You were reported to have replied: "No need! I am offering myself as the sacrificial lamb to the cause of democracy!"

Reading it, I exclaimed: "What a great man!" A truly great ulema with mega-magnanimity. You must have forgiven many known and unknown men and women who have disagreed or disobeyed you! As a man full of forgiveness, you bear it all with complete calmness, sharing the burden with that angel in your heart.

But remember, Mr. President, these allegations and criticisms were addressed to you as occupant of the presidency and cannot just be dismissed as if they were a personal matter by saying: "You think I care?"

Mr. President, I have been moved to write this letter after reading yet another column with another serious accusation. A Jakarta weekly, in its late February edition, published that in a meeting with Tommy and Tutut, you demanded that they surrender PT Timor to you, (part of the) toll road plus US$43 million as a fee for a presidential amnesty.

I think this is the last straw! You must act, Mr. President, by teaching those publications the limits of press freedom in a democracy, which you yourself so strongly uphold. You should not suffer as a sacrificial lamb.

After all, it relates to the presidency Gus Dur!

H. ARIFIN BEY

Tangerang, West Java