Black and White Policy

"We practice politics with principle. If we do not agree (against something) we will say it with its all consequence"

Masyumi, a Muslim political party in 1945-1960 era, is considered as "rigid" political party due to its black-white policy toward different issues in parliament. The above quote is the reply to such mockery, by its chairman, M. Natsir -as quoted by Yusril Ihza Mahendra in "100 Tahun Muhammad Natsir: Berdamai Dengan Sejarah."



For those who are lucky to witness Indonesian history since Soekarno era, such statement is an expression of honesty and politeness (but bravety) of a politician, considering political strength of the president. It is well-known that Soekarno, the first president, is a flambouyant man who later on turns authoritarian, ambushes anybody who is considered impediment to his ideas and ambition. Masyumi is not an exception. Soekarno's best ally, Indonesian Communist Party called Masyumi as Kepala Batu (stone-head, stubborn) in their most popular jingle, "Genjer-genjer". However, Masyumi top figures stayed patient, unified and cool-headed. They replied every issue in very coordinated way, while the situation closed to October 1965 became heat. Nobody dared to speak a single word against Soekarno and PKI. All are in the shadows of "red" and revolution.

Back to "practicing politics with principle", do we have such a method today? When I was an instructor in an Islamic mass organization, some young and pious people used to criticize Masyumi for being failed in shaping Indonesian political landscape with Islamic values. They say, many decisions by its top leaders are considered as being misleading and had a liberal tendency. In addition, they tend to feel more convenience with their non-muslim friends instead of their (traditional) muslim counterpart. Today, the same people whom I notice to have harsh criticims against Masyumi, are involved in a muslim-dominated party which is considered as best coordinated and united group. When I meet them by chance in one discussion recently, I remind them about their old criticism and warn them about repercussion effect or repetition of history, that they might do the same thing what they criticize. They easily reply, that in politics we cannot hold on a black-white policy, since politics is an art of bargaining about what two sides can give or receive. After long description and explanation of their party platform, I feel uneasy due to reality how they act differently. They ask my opinion after discussion is over, I reply: "You actually apply black and white policy, black inside but white outside..."