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