Openness, or the cool term “transparency,” is like a rushing source of water. It can never be covered by any regime, no matter how strong and determined. It will always “leak” like water finding its way.
So it is!
Freedom held hostage
Many things were taboo during the New Order era. For example, attempting to understand (as opposed to following) certain ideologies would immediately result in being blacklisted. Following the beliefs of certain figures could make one disappear instantly. The freedom to be different had no space at all!
Read Jokowi Leads Where Does the Ball Go?
Hence, smiles and coughs were immediately interpreted and implemented. Labeled as enemies of the state (rulers), considered to disrupt national stability.
That’s the easiest excuse.
The era of excessive freedom
However, in the Reform era, where transparency emerged, things were different. The freedom to express opinions and the easy access of various media even caused unrest. Irresponsible freedom could potentially lead to anarchy.
Read Extra-Constitutional Actions of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Throughout Time
On the other hand, there is some merit to it. Books like this one would surely have been suppressed during the New Order era, and the author and publisher would have been shackled. At the very least, they would be asked for an explanation: what is the purpose of its publication and dissemination?
It’s indeed troublesome!
Unveiling different perspectives
Thankfully, during the routine visits to Gramedia bookstore, as a biographer, searching for relevant literature, it’s usually after reading on the spot, saying, “I could write better than this!”
Sometimes, when we, as writers, reach a certain stage, the reading is not for reference but rather for comparison!
Back to the laptop. I bought this biography of Aidit not only to remember my friend Sobron Aidit but also to see. Is it consistent with Sobron’s story about his brother as written in the book? Or: are there untold stories about Aidit that are still “unwritten”?
It turns out there are! Well, that will be the source of my next writing.
Aidit is not an atheist
Following the story of his younger brother Sobron, Aidit was not an atheist. From a young age, he was religiously observant. He entered politics because of the fervor of his soul, witnessing the fate of workers, and aspiring to build a classless Indonesia.
Read Das Kapital : The Televance to the Current Situation in Indonesia
I imagine Aidit as a courteous, wise, sharp in analysis, and – in the words of people – cunning figure. But I admire him as one of the great diplomats and political leaders.
The world’s third-largest party
At the age of 31, he turned the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) into a top-tier party – the top 4 in Indonesia, claiming 3.5 million members. The third-largest party in the world after the Soviet Union and China.
Political stigma
However, is he truly a wicked and heartless person? This is a big question mark, the answer to which is still unresolved. There was no fair trial for a figure of one of the major parties in Southeast Asia during his time. Aidit was eliminated before he could defend himself.
This is a history that has already become a political stigma.
Read Arok – Dedes: Sejarah tentang Kuasa dan Wanita
Today, we find a biography and must finish reading it, remembering Sobron’s “untold story.”
I myself am surprised why there are no current political figures that I admire. Getting to know someone, it turns out, can change perceptions!
So, read this book! Published by one of the subsidiaries of Kompas-Gramedia publishing, Kepustakaan Populer Gramedia (KPG). Its inception, in the 1990s, was spearheaded by my friend, Parakitri Tahi Simbolon.*)
