True statesmanship

True statesmanship
and BIN chief

From Koran Tempo

Now that the general elections are only a few weeks away, it
is interesting to observe how some political party figures that
happen to be government officials are acting as campaigners for
their parties.

Obviously, these government officials must take leave so as to
concentrate on their political party. As a result, the state will
not be properly managed.

In this context, it is interesting to note that State
Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M. Hendropriyono has publicly
stated that he is not in a position to campaign for any political
party, although the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-
P) has registered him with the General Elections Commission (KPU)
as one of the party's campaigners.

Hendropriyono has also stressed that as BIN chief he must be
impartial toward all political parties, or, in other words,
assume a neutral stance.

His statement is good for the proper implementation of
democracy, especially as BIN is a strategic agency. Therefore,
during the election campaign, BIN can monitor campaign activities
freely, without attachment to any political party.

Hendropriyono's statement reflects his true statesmanship. He
is loyal only to the state and the people. It is reminiscent of a
statement made by one of Britain's great statesmen, Winston
Churchill. "My loyalty to the party ceases the moment my loyalty
shifts to the state."

ARYO SETYAKI

Jakarta