VIVAnews - New York Times journalist Tim Weiner wrote in his book "Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA" that former Indonesian Vice President Adam Malik was a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent. This is controversial since Adam Malik is an Indonesian national hero.
Despite being viewed as bringing the nation into shame, Deputy Head of Commission I (Defense Commission) at the House of Representatives, Sidharto Danusubroto, appealed that there should be counter proofing. The proof should certainly take the form of counter research.
"It is now free to write anything. The Indonesian history is multi-sourced and multi-narrated. Therefore, the correct measure is to produce a writing that may clarify the matter. We cannot sue anyone at will," said Sidharto at the Parliamentary complex, Monday, Nov 24.
"In the book, the writer quotes a statement from an intelligence agent. Therefore, a convincing examination to clarify the issue is needed," said Sidharto.
Sidharto did not believe that Adam Malik was willing to betray Indonesia, let alone for the sake of US$10,000 that Weiner referred to in his book.
Member of DPR Defense Commission Yuddy Chrisnandi said that people should not amplify about the matter. "The issue is raised to popularize the book," said Chrisnandi, Nov 24. He said that it was difficult to make sure whether or not the US diplomats carry out spying mission. "Communication with our officials can be utilized by US diplomats, who could in fact be agents, or informants."
Vice President Jusuf Kalla has stated that he disagreed with the book. In Kalla's opinion, Malik's political ground was not in line with the US political principle. He said that Adam Malik was more of a socialist. "He was founder of Murba Party (Common People's Representative Party). It is impossible people from Murba became a CIA agent. Americans won't buy it," Kalla said.
He went on to say that the book should not be withdrawn from circulation. "It must be denied. If needed, the writer should be held responsible for his work," said Kalla.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) is looking into the impact of the book circulation. Head of AGO Center for Information and Law, Jasman Panjaitan, said on Monday, Nov 24, that "The Directorate of Social and Politics is examining how far the book bothers the stability of state and whether or not it is in line with state ideology."
According to Panjaitan, Adam Malik's family may file a lawsuit if they see that they cannot accept the book's contents.
"These are two distinctive issues which are different, family matters and state matters," he said.
VIVAnews writers, Arfi Bambani Amri, Ita Lismawati F. Malau, Elin Yunita Kristanti, Anggi Kusumadewi, Fadila Fikriani Armadita and Shinta Eka Puspasari, contributed to this article.
