Who are the true reformists?

By Santi W.E. Soekanto

JAKARTA (JP): Who are the true reformists in Indonesia? Finding an answer to this question is a near impossible feat, so it is best to learn the lesson that in politics, there is simply no permanent friend or foe.

Personal interests are placed above all other considerations, as political figures such as Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Harmoko, Akbar Tandjung, Try Sutrisno, Siswono Yudohusodo, Sarwono Kusumaatmadja and, of course, B.J. Habibie have shown over the past year.

These figures have been exerting efforts to, at the least, distance themselves from Soeharto, the founder of the New Order regime who is now such a political hot potato no one can get rid of him quickly enough. At best, these politicians wish to convince others and themselves that they are indeed pro-reform.

A reread of some old books, however, may convince us that a snake shedding its old skin has nothing on these politicians.

The following are what these political figures said about Soeharto in Di Antara Para Sahabat. Pak Harto 70 Tahun (Among Friends. Pak Harto at 70) and Manajemen Presiden Soeharto (President Soeharto's Management):

Harmoko: "Soeharto gives his blood and soul for the people."

The House Speaker served three terms as a minister in Soeharto's Cabinets, and was known for such great deference to Soeharto that he opened practically all of his speeches by saying "with the guidance of Bapak Presiden".

However, he was able to read the political currents correctly and save his own skin when Soeharto fell. Just days before Soeharto's resignation on May 21, 1998, Harmoko saved his political career by jumping ship and joining those who were clamoring for the veteran ruler's resignation.

Yet, this was what he said years before: "It would therefore not be an exaggeration if I observe that the thoughts and the actions of Pak Harto are always for the interests of the people."

"Every day, every second, Pak Harto becomes one with the aspirations, inspirations and motivations of the people under his leadership. His blood, his flesh, his feelings and sweat which accompany his heartbeats are for the people only..."

"His firm stance and his discipline have not made him a rigid leader or dismissive of other people's opinions. On the contrary, Pak Harto always heeds and listens and accepts other people's opinions, as long as they are rational."

"Pak Harto is an open, patient and gentle leader, who guides his aides as a father would his children."

B.J. Habibie: "Soeharto is the hero of all heroes."

The incumbent president had the hardest task of convincing people that he was different from his predecessor, whom he once called "my great political professor". His closeness to Soeharto was one among many factors which analysts said eroded his credibility.

He once wrote the following: "I see Pak Harto as the hero of all other heroes... He is a role model for everybody to emulate."

"I believe that the philosophy, strategies and wisdom of Pak Harto, who is this nation's greatest son, are the best for this nation. This is why I tirelessly and fearlessly try to translate all of his thoughts into the language of an engineer entrusted with the task of building a beautiful house for his people..."

Akbar Tandjung: "I always try to follow his guidance."

The Minister/State Secretary and chairman of Golkar is among those considered to be so politically bland that they can easily move from one camp to another.

This is what he wrote: "Pak Harto does not talk much, but is always full of thought and wisdom, marked by high common sense and the ability to rise up to obstacles..."

"His modesty and his wisdom is (what lies) behind (his) quiet leadership."

"Pak Harto's vision and belief about the importance of togetherness and cooperation -- which balance individual rights with social responsibilities -- have made me admire and respect his leadership."

"As his aide, it is normal that I always try to follow all of his guidance..."

Try Sutrisno: "Soeharto is a true democrat."

The former Soeharto adjutant served a term as vice president without causing even a ripple, despite his controversial record of alleged rights abuses, including the Tanjung Priok shooting in 1984. Some people have mentioned Try as a possible presidential candidate in this era of reform.

This was what Try wrote about Soeharto: "Truly, Pak Harto is an impressive personality... I see him as a first-class strategist, one who has the ability to read the future accurately."

"He is also a modest person, always kind and friendly to everyone. Sometimes this characteristic is exploited by people to further their personal interests."

"In the state's affairs, I see him as a true democrat."

"As a perfect leader, Pak Harto is a courageous general, firm and wise. He is a wise and democratic statesman who is able to accommodate the interests of many people ... He is a brilliant administrator ...."

Edi Sudradjat: "Soeharto is the epitome of statesmanship."

The former minister of defense is taking pains to show the public that he is pro-reform by, among others things, founding the Justice and Unity Party with other former members of Golkar who have declared a break from the Soeharto era.

However, this is what he once wrote about Soeharto: "He is the nation's epitome of statesmanship, who has led the nation's ship successfully for the past 25 years."

"His guidance and directives are my capital in forming policies and measures. He is a commander who is always close to his subordinates."

"The Indonesian people must thank Allah for giving us a child of the nation who has saved national unity."

Hayono Isman: "We all should be so grateful."

The former minister of youth affairs and sports, and the former leader of Golkar is now the secretary-general of the Justice and Unity Party.

These were his thoughts on Soeharto: "We all should be so grateful because we have a national leader whose management principles are constitutional and dynamic."

"Pak Harto has strategic strength. He has a strong and wide vision. He has the courage to make quick, accurate and firm decisions."

Ginandjar Kartasasmita: "Soeharto is a world-class leader."

The coordinating minister for economy, finance and industry led a group of ministers in Soeharto's last Cabinet who abandoned the veteran ruler. This move, combined with developments such as the Armed Forces' decision to pull its support for Soeharto, helped push him out of the presidential seat he had occupied for 32 years.

This is what Ginandjar once said about the former president: "I believe that history will record Pak Harto's name as a great leader. He stands on par with any other world leader, and will surely leave his mark as other leaders have done."

Sarwono Kusumaatmadja: "I feel protected by Pak Harto."

The former Golkar executive, student activist and Soeharto minister has in recent years been known for his critical stance of Soeharto's New Order regime. Since Soeharto's resignation, he has often been invited to address seminars as a reformist. He is among the most vocal critics of Habibie, whom he believes lacks credibility because of his closeness with Soeharto.

However, Sarwono also was once protected by Soeharto, as he himself admitted:

"I realized later on that my fate as a politician was not only protected by the support of my friends in Golkar, the Armed Forces and the administration, but also because of the support of Pak Harto as the chief patron of Golkar."

He also wrote, "Pak Harto is an intelligent person, even though his educational background is far from adequate."

"His leadership is what caused a change in the system in Indonesia... I believe that if we just follow his line of thought, Insya Allah (God willing), we will be safe..."

Siswono Yudohusodo: "I beg for his guidance."

The former transmigration minister is now widely respected as a reformist. In the last days of Soeharto's rule, he was among those who made the circuit giving speeches about the evils of the New Order regime.

Yet, this is what he once wrote of Soeharto: "I felt the vibration of his leadership... I beg for his guidance."

"I see him as a leader who knows what has to be done... He is a figure who is able to create a sense of calm and of having solid footing... His self-control is incredible, and his vision is incomparable."

Siswono also wrote, "My deepest impression of Pak Harto is that he is a humanist."

"To all young people, my message is that we can learn from Pak Harto because he is proactive toward change. There are people who are reluctant to change, who see progress with fear. I see Pak Harto as someone who is proactive toward change for the better."

Window: A reread of some old books, however, may convince us that a snake shedding its old skin has nothing on these politicians.