Tearful protagonist?

Tearful protagonist?

Media Indonesia of Dec. 30, 1998, reported that Gus Dur held
an open house for University of Indonesia students. There were
three points of interest.

1. The students hailed Gus Dur as the Nation's Protagonist.

2. Gus Dur showed great concern for the little people's fate.

3. Gus Dur lost heart for a while when Achmad Tirtosudiro,
Nurcholish Majid and Dawam Raharjo criticized him.

The first two points do not need any comment because they are
sincere and objective evaluations by the people throughout
Indonesia.

With regard to the third point, perhaps Gus Dur needs to read
the writer's opinion as follows:

Groundless accusations by people like Achmad Tirtosudiro, Cak
Nur and Dawam need not be heeded. Who knows, they only want to
look for cheap popularity. Gus, please do not take it seriously.
Just take it easy.

If Gus Dur responds to such accusations he will be dejected
and often complaining. This could eventually lead the people to
call him a Tearful Protagonist. Such a nickname would be deeply
regretted. It is clear that the Nation's Protagonist cannot
afford to be tearful.

Gus Dur should increase his contemplations and ask guidance
from God, who had inspired him to voice the necessity of a
national dialog, for example by repeatedly doing the sholat
Istiharoh (prayer asking for Allah's guidance). May Gus Dur
obtain additional mental strength in fighting for the ideas he
believes in.

IFRAD SUKANTO

Jakarta