Who are the true reformists?

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.