Vocal scholar questioned for making harsh comments

Vocal scholar questioned for making harsh comments

YOGYAKARTA (JP): An outspoken political scholar was questioned
by the authorities on Saturday for allegedly making harsh
comments against the government during a seminar on democracy
last August.

George Aditjondro, a lecturer at Satya Wacana University in
Salatiga, Central Java, was summoned to the Yogyakarta police
precinct because of allegations that his remarks amounted to
slander against the government.

If proven guilty, George, who is being charged with violating
article 207 of the Criminal Code, will be sentenced to 18 months
in jail.

George reportedly made the remarks when he analyzed papers by
former security and order commander Gen. (ret) Sumitro and former
minister of home affairs Rudini at the seminar held at the
Indonesia Islam University.

The seminar on "The Urgency of Political Development in the
Process of Democracy in Indonesia" exposed some of the negative
aspects of the country's economic and political system.

George was accompanied by a team of lawyers from the
Yogyakarta chapter of the Legal Aid Institute.

During the interrogation on Saturday, police replayed
recordings of the remarks which the authorities found offensive
for the benefit of George and his lawyers.

One of the lawyers, Artidjo Alkostar, demanded an explanation
from the police about George's precise status because his client
had been earlier summoned simply to answer questions but now
appeared to have been charged.

This is the second warrant for George from the Yogyakarta
police in connection with the seminar. The first one was issued
earlier this month when he was in Europe, raising speculation,
which was later proven unfounded, that he might be arrested on
his return to Indonesia.

George is defending his position, stating that the seminar was
held in an academic circle which encourages critical thinking.

To prosecute someone for thinking critically would kill
creativity, he pointed out.

Artidjo also defended his client, pointing out that the
remarks were made before a limited audience and not to the
general public.

"It would be a real tragedy if the authorities decide to
prosecute George for making remarks in a seminar," he said. "This
will be a major setback for the academic community." (mun/par)