Two books on Gus Dur launched

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Two books on former president Abdurrahman Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur, will be launched on Thursday -- one by Wimar Witoelar, a former spokesman of Abdurrahman, and the other by Greg Barton, a researcher from Australia-based Deakin University.

Wimar, who worked for the erratic president for 10 months, reveals his impressions from being a close confidant and spokesman of the former president in his 200-page book, titled No Regrets, Reflections of A Presidential Spokesman.

Barton's book is titled Gus Dur: The Authorized Biography of Abdurrahman Wahid.

Even though Wimar's position forced him to defend Abdurrahman's regime and diminished his reputation as a prodemocracy activist, he claimed he never regretted his short experience as presidential spokesman.

"As a spokesman, I had a chance to involve myself in an experiment of democracy in which I could color political life of this country.

"Besides, I also thought it was my duty to convey to the public the vision of Abdurrahman, who keenly supported democracy and respected human rights," Wimar told a press conference.

Abdurrahman was the first president democratically elected in the country after the despotic 32-year rule of Soeharto ended. He served as president for only 21 months till October 2001.

The two books are published in English, and are also available in bookstores in Australia, the United States and Europe.

Wimar said his book was his impressions of Gus Dur, their experiences and Gus Dur's vision regarding society, politics and religious matters.

"By publishing this book, I am sharing Gus Dur's views on democracy and human rights, which are useful in enriching our country's life," he said.

Meanwhile, Barton said his book was also aimed at introducing Gus Dur's views on religions, democracy and human rights to the public. "Gus Dur is an important Islamic thinker in the country, and it is interesting to share his thoughts with the public," he said.

Barton said that he had started writing his 400-page book in 1996. The was written chronologically, covering the life journey of Gus Dur from his childhood until he lost the presidency.