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