Unwanted images of Soeharto

Unwanted images of Soeharto

From Neraca

Recent newspaper reports said that the Rp 50,000 banknote bearing the likeness of former president Soeharto could not be exchanged for rial in Saudi Arabia. The government denied the report and said it was only a rumor.

A television report direct from Jeddah, however, gave the impression that it was not the case. The reporter said that Rp 50,000 banknotes with the image of Soeharto on them were accorded a lower value than other Indonesian banknotes. It means the former president has lost his popularity abroad.

The reporter suggested that haj pilgrims from Indonesia should exchange their rupiah for rial at home.

It is clear that Soeharto is no longer popular and is not considered a hero like Bung Karno (Sukarno) and Bung Hatta (Mohammad Hatta) whose likenesses are found on the new Rp 100,000 banknote.

The presence of Soeharto's likeness on anything public is no longer desired in the community. His picture on our currency gives rise to international distrust; in short, banknotes with a smiling picture of Soeharto are not respected by the community.

There are also fears that letters sent with stamps showing the likeness of Soeharto will not reach their destination, especially abroad, because the stamps are thought to have lesser value.

Thus, it would be a good thing if all means of payment and all matters related to public activities in which the likeness of Soeharto is used, such as banknotes, stamps, etc., are exchanged for those with different images likely to gain respect for the Indonesian nation.

R. BAKROEN

Jakarta