President Says About Gurita Cikeas Book

Hotel di Palembang - Gurita Cikeas Book can respond by President SBY.President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono does not need to over-react to George Aditjondro`s book that linked him with the Bank Century case because the methodology used in writing the book is very weak, an observer said.

"The book`s contents are not supported by accurate data. In fact, the book is more like a political propaganda gimmick than an academic work," Burhanuddin Muhtadi, a researcher with the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI), said here Monday.

He said it was not necessary for the president to comment on all issues that arose because there were many other, more important matters that deserved his attention. "SBY`s comments on Aditjondro`s book will only boost its sales," he added.

Over-reacting to the book and trying to repress it through a ban or an order to withdraw it from circulation would only stimulate the public`s interest in the book.

Burhanuddin also suggested that the president cease using the "melancholy communication" ploy in his public speeches in which he tends to portray himself as a target of political adversaries ganging up on him such as through the House Bank Century Inquiry Committee, the accusations made by the non-governmental organization BENDERA and assaults on his integrity by intellectuals like George Aditjondro.

The melanncholy tactic, according to Burhanuddin, could eventually give rise to public cynicism because it did not address the cores of problems and tended to divert the public`s attention, especially if it was applied too often.

"In his latest speech SBY seemed to react to Aditjondro, and his spokesman`s statements on the book were clearly disproportionate," Burhanuddin said