University's Open House

University's Open House

At the home of a friend, I recently saw a copy of the March
20, 1995 edition of The Jakarta Post in which you ran a
photograph entitled University's Open House. In the caption you
identified one of the persons in the photograph as "Pat
Robertson, a visiting renowned analyst of world events..."

I am wondering where you obtained that information. It
certainly could not be from any research into this man's
background.

For your information, Pat Robertson is the leader of extreme
right-wing Christian fundamentalism in the United States. He has
grown very, very wealthy from the contributions of his followers
and his personal take-over of the Christian Broadcasting Network
(CBN) in this country. Several years ago, he was the religious
right wing's candidate for the U.S. presidency and entered a
number of Republican primary elections, but lost the nomination
to George Bush.

To describe Robertson as a "visiting renowned analyst of world
events" completely misleads your readers. The news programs
broadcast over the television network he controls regularly
distort the truth and twist events to increase his personal
influence and gain more contributions from his followers. His
stations lend credence to the arch conservative, anti-government
views of the right wing militants such as those responsible for
the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City.

Johannes Oentoro, the rector of the private university
(University of Pelita Harapan in Karawaci, Tangerang) and Atiek
Wardiman (wife of the Minister of Education) were also included
in the photo, as was a Mulyono, who was described as the
organizer of the event.

One wonders about their motivations and a possible hidden
agenda. Why was such a man as Pat Robertson invited to
participate in the university ceremony?

LINCOLN EDWARDS

Washington, DC-USA

Note: We obtained the information from an official of the
university.

-- Editor