The statesman

The statesman

The Jakarta Post of April 16, 2001, published a news story in
which noted ulema KH Zaenuddin MZ said: "The only statesman
Indonesia has ever had was (former president) Soeharto".

I firmly believe that Soeharto is not a statesman. Soeharto
handed over the presidency to the vice president (B.J. Habibie)
because of the huge pressure from most of the people, led by the
students, as well as the international community. He didn't step
down because he wanted to bow to the people's aspiration. He did
so to save himself, and his family and cronies.

This is a very different situation from when the first
president of the United States, George Washington, refused
another presidential term although some prominent generals in
U.S. urged him to. Washington turned down another term as
president without pressure or protest from the people. He did so
because of his sincerity to his people and country. Therefore
Washington is a statesman.

A statesman is one who thinks, speaks and acts in the people's
interest; he listens to the aspirations of the people without
oppressing them for his or his cronies' gain. He is also a person
who empowers the people and serves the country honestly. Based on
this principals, we can clearly see that the late Mahatma Gandhi
is another good example of a stateman.

It is not easy to categorize someone as a statesman. We must
use evidence and arguments objectively and honestly when calling
him a statesman. It is certainly not based on how close our
relationship with the person concerned is.

ALEXANDER B. KOROH

Kupang, East Nusatenggara