Udin's story in print

Udin's story in print

From Republika

At last, a book about Udin has been published under the title Udin a journalist, report prior to his death. For two months a team of writers consisting of Mega Simarmata (Ramako Radio), Noorca M. Massardi (Forum Keadilan), and Salomo Simanungkalit of Kompas, have been working hard to make the book a reality.

The book has Pak Parni Hadi's (Republika) full support.

I have been asked repeatedly why I have defended Udin with such enthusiasm. I thought about it for a long time. I have a simple answer. The late Rukmini Kusumo Astuti defended Sum Kuning's fate, Ratna Sarumpaet fought for Marsinah, Tumbu Saraswati came up for Megawati. They were exceptional women who were defended by equally extraordinary females. I do not mean to put myself on their level, but their example urged me to join the group of "Udin's defendants".

The book presents an alternate view about Udin's death. The Association of Indonesian Journalists (PWI) is convinced he died because of his controversial reports. Is it true? Udin is, indeed, a courageous person. He fought for justice and honesty in Bantul. He loved Bantul and was proud of his home.

Traveling between Jakarta and Bantul to work on the book, I also fell in love with the place. Widespread green ricefields bring peace to one's mind. It was not surprising that Udin got up in arms over the welfare of Bantul.

One picture at the back of the book shows Udin riding his Honda "Tiger 2000", which was the pride of his life. Wikan, Udin's three-year-old child, gazed at the picture in surprise. He said in Javanese, "This is my motorbike. Who is that man on the motorbike?" Wikan did not recognize his younger-looking father.

Wikan also does not know that his father died in the hands of unknown persons. The child's innocence moved Inspector General of Development Major General K. Harseno, to tears when he attended the launch of the book on Jan. 28, 1997, in Yogyakarta.

"I am an army man, but I cannot stand to see this child whose father was killed in such a way," the general said.

Udin's wife Marsiyem has been struggling to return to a normal life following the death of her husband. She faces a long series of investigations which somebody said was designed to make Marsiyem loose her mind. I told myself that this could not happen. I have been closely associated with Marsiyem in the past five months and she strikes me as a humble and consistent person. I know her grief is beyond description. But she puts on a strong front for the sake of her children. I cannot bear to see her suffer much longer.

Please, do not hurt the family anymore. They have suffered enough. We should give our sympathy to Udin and Marsiyem, who have had to suffer all this time. There are two children who still badly need her. If something in this case should be kept under wraps, it should not be at the expense of another victim, should it?

MEGA SIMARMATA

Jakarta