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