TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Frans Magnis Suseno, philosophy professor, said that it was Dipo Alam's duty as the cabinet secretary to defend President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. "It was Dipo Alam's right to express his opinion, moreover that he must defend the president," said Frans Magnis via text message to Tempo, on Tuesday.
The state secretary, Dipo Alam, commented on Franz Magnis' protest of World Statesman Award to be granted to SBY from Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF). "I am sorry to say that Magniz has a shallow perspective," said Dipo in the president's office, on Tuesday. "He sees Indonesia only from television, full of conflicts."
Frans Magnis wrote a complaint letter protesting the award from New York based institution with two considerations. One, Franz Magnis believed that SBY, in his 8.5 years as president, never declared to Indonesians to respect the minority. Two, SBY never protected victim of violence group, like in Ahmadiyah against Shiia case.
Frans Magnis believed that what is important for Indonesia is the admittance towards identity and united minority. Shall the award be given to SBY, Franz Magnis considered that as discrediting the ACF claim to be an organization promoting peace, democracy, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue.
ISMI DAMAYANTI
