The Ballad of Rocky Gerung

Due to this diversity, it is arguably inaccurate to read Fordem as a group with a single ideology.

However, the values that seemingly brought them together include democracy, civil liberties, social justice, and—at least from the two Fordem individuals I know—humanity.

Perhaps because of this, to me, Fordem's critique of the New Order authority was never merely "superficial" regarding who was in power at that time. The more fundamental questions in my view were: for what purpose is power (the New Order) used, and how does power (the New Order) treat people?

Looking at substance in Rocky's statements so far, there is an echo that feels familiar to me.

Of course Rocky is not Fordem, and Fordem is far larger than Rocky.

However, for me, Fordem is one important context to view Rocky's intellectual side.

Fordem and Authority

The relationship between Fordem members and authority, in my opinion, is quite intriguing.

They are not "foreign" to power. In capacity, it does not seem exaggerated to say that many of them are more than qualified to be involved in power.

At least from my perception and memory, the greatness of Fordem individuals lies in the manner in which they treat power.

It is not something that should always be avoided, nor is it a goal that must be maintained at all costs.

There are important questions that seem to be answered first: what is the purpose of entering, why is it necessary to be there, and at what point should one distance themselves, or even leave.

These questions feel increasingly rare in today's politics in Indonesia.

Political conversations are often filled with questions (which are no less important) about how to enter power and how to stay there.

Regarding this relationship with authority, perhaps the story of Gus Dur can serve as the clearest illustration.

One of Fordem's founders ultimately reached the height of power as President of the Republic of Indonesia.