Re: Buku Siapa Menabur Angin Akan Menuai Badai 26.pdf
Alke Stilwell
How a Controversial Book Exposed the Dark Side of the New Order: A Review of Siapa Menabur Angin Akan Menuai Badai by Soegiarso Soerojo
Siapa Menabur Angin Akan Menuai Badai (Whoever Sows the Wind Will Reap the Storm) is a book written by Soegiarso Soerojo, a former Indonesian politician and journalist, who was involved in the anti-communist purge of 1965-1966. The book, published in 1971, is a scathing critique of the New Order regime led by Suharto, who came to power after overthrowing Sukarno, the founding father of Indonesia.
The book reveals the atrocities committed by the military and the civilian militias against the alleged communists and their sympathizers, as well as the corruption and nepotism that plagued the New Order. Soegiarso Soerojo also exposes the role of foreign powers, especially the United States, in supporting and manipulating the coup and the subsequent massacre. He argues that the New Order was not a genuine reform movement, but a continuation of the old order with a different face.
The book caused a sensation when it was first published, as it challenged the official narrative of the New Order that portrayed itself as a savior of the nation from chaos and communism. The book was banned by the government and Soegiarso Soerojo was sued by a former local official who claimed that he was defamed by the book. The author faced harassment and intimidation from the authorities and his supporters. He died in 1974 under mysterious circumstances.
The book remains a valuable source of information and analysis for anyone who wants to understand the history and politics of Indonesia during one of its most turbulent periods. It also serves as a warning for future generations about the dangers of authoritarianism and violence. As Soegiarso Soerojo wrote in his preface: "Whoever sows the wind will reap the storm. This is a law of nature that cannot be denied."
One of the most striking features of the book is the use of personal testimonies and documents from various sources, such as former political prisoners, military officers, journalists, diplomats, and even Suharto himself. These testimonies and documents provide a vivid and authentic picture of the events and the people involved in them. They also reveal the contradictions and conflicts within the New Order and its opponents.
For example, the book includes a letter from Suharto to Sukarno, dated October 1, 1965, in which he expresses his loyalty and gratitude to the president and denies any involvement in the coup attempt by a group of junior officers. The letter contradicts the later claim by Suharto that he was acting on behalf of Sukarno to save him from the communist threat. The book also includes a testimony from a former communist leader who admits that he was tortured and forced to confess his involvement in the coup attempt.
The book also challenges some of the myths and stereotypes that have been propagated by the New Order and its supporters. For instance, the book shows that not all communists were atheists and anti-religion, as some of them were devout Muslims or Christians. The book also shows that not all anti-communists were pro-Western and pro-capitalist, as some of them were nationalists and socialists. The book also shows that not all victims of the purge were communists or their sympathizers, as some of them were innocent civilians who were killed or arrested for various reasons.
The book also offers some insights and suggestions for the future of Indonesia and its people. Soegiarso Soerojo advocates for a democratic and pluralistic system that respects human rights and social justice. He calls for a reconciliation and a dialogue among the different factions and groups that have been divided by the New Order. He also urges the Indonesian people to learn from their history and to resist any form of oppression and exploitation.
Siapa Menabur Angin Akan Menuai Badai is a courageous and influential book that has inspired many generations of Indonesians who seek truth and justice. The book is also a testament to the life and work of Soegiarso Soerojo, who dedicated himself to the cause of freedom and democracy. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex and tragic history of Indonesia in the 20th century.
The book has been reprinted several times since its first publication, despite the censorship and the legal challenges. The book has also been translated into several languages, such as English, Dutch, German, and Japanese. The book has become a classic of Indonesian literature and a source of inspiration for many activists and scholars who have studied and written about the New Order and its aftermath.
The book is not without its critics and limitations, however. Some have questioned the accuracy and the objectivity of some of the testimonies and documents that the author used. Some have also argued that the book is too biased and too harsh against the New Order and its supporters. Some have also pointed out that the book does not address some of the positive aspects and achievements of the New Order, such as the economic development and the national stability.
Nevertheless, the book remains a valuable and influential contribution to the understanding of Indonesia's history and politics. The book also raises some important questions and issues that are still relevant today, such as the role of the military and the foreign powers in Indonesia's politics, the impact of violence and trauma on the society, and the need for reconciliation and democracy in Indonesia.
To illustrate some of the points and arguments that the book makes, here are some quotes from the book that capture its essence and its impact:
- "The New Order is nothing but the old order with a new face. The same people who were responsible for the misery and suffering of the people are still in power, only with different titles and positions."
- "The massacre of 1965-1966 was not a spontaneous reaction of the people against the communists, but a planned and orchestrated operation by the military and its allies, with the support and guidance of foreign powers."
- "The victims of the purge were not only communists or their sympathizers, but also nationalists, democrats, intellectuals, artists, religious leaders, and ordinary people who had nothing to do with communism."
- "The New Order has not brought any real reform or development to the country, but only corruption, nepotism, repression, and inequality. The people are still poor, hungry, ignorant, and oppressed."
- "The only way to end the cycle of violence and injustice is to establish a democratic and pluralistic system that respects human rights and social justice. The people must unite and demand their rights and dignity."
In conclusion, Siapa Menabur Angin Akan Menuai Badai is a book that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who is interested in Indonesia's history and politics. The book is a powerful and provocative critique of the New Order and its crimes against humanity. The book is also a brave and inspiring account of the struggle for freedom and democracy in Indonesia. The book is a reminder of the importance of truth and justice in any society.
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