Muchtar Pakpahan's Story, Gus Dur's Tactic To 'Set Up' Cendana, Send Jinn To Guard The National Istighosah

JAKARTA - There is an emotional story between the figures of the Indonesian labor movement, late Muchtar Pakpahan, and Abdurrahman Wahid alias Gur Dur. This story was shared by Gus Dur's daughter who is also the National Coordinator for the Gusdurian Network, Alissa Wahid on her Twitter page, @AlissaWahid, Monday, March 23.

"Goodbye, Mr. Muchtar Pakpahan, one of the pioneers of the labor movement in Indonesia. Many stories with GusDur show how steep the road to struggle used to be," tweeted Alissa.

In a tweet, Alissa pinned a link from the Muchtar Pakpahan website on www.muchtarpakpahan.com containing memories with Gus Dur.

"As my tribute to Gusdur, I will present the unique and memorable experiences that I had with Gusdur. When I experienced several difficulties, Gusdur gave me protection. When I hit a dead-end, Gusdur appeared as a teacher giving a way out. When exchanging ideas or just kidding, Gusdur acted as a friend," wrote Muchtar.

The first story was at a national labor meeting on 24-26 April 1992 at Cipayung Hotel, Bogor which was attended by 107 figures, activists, and workers. The police did not issue a permit because it was not recommended by the Indonesian National Army. Even without permission, the meeting continued.

"The meeting room at Cipayung Hotel was surrounded by many National Army, some said up to thousands of people. When there was a conversation via HT, the speaker said, please give a hint of what to do because the elephant is always inside. Apparently what elephant means is Gusdur. Because the elephant is there, the meeting is not dismissed, on April 25, 1992, the establishment of (K)SBSI was declared," Muchtar said.

Gus Dur asked several times about difficulties and provided protection. One time Gus Dur asked, "The SBSI doesn't have any tables and chairs, huh? It's like a goat meeting, huh?" Next, someone is ordered by Gus Dur to deliver 50 lecture folding chairs with an additional table. Since then there has been an improvement from goat meetings to labor activist meetings.

"The table is still there now at KSBSI," wrote Muchtar.

Furthermore, it took place ahead of the KSBSI Congress in July 1993. There were rumors that Gus Dur was not favored by Cendana because he wanted to organize a revolution that was initiated with a national istighosah. Gus Dur contacted Muchtar and informed him that his presence in establishing SBSI added to the sins of the palace.

For the time being, he reduced his contact with the SBSI. "What is interesting for me to say when I asked whether the genies were really prepared to guard the istighosah in Senayan,?" asked Muchtar

"Because I was crowned by the palace, yes I returned to the palace. The police said they would not issue a permit. Gus Dur said there was no need for a permit,"

"The police said that security was not guaranteed, Gus Dur answered that I would invite the genies to guard their security," wrote Muchtar, imitating Gus Dur's words.

In the end, the Police did not dare to intervene. But someone from NU South Jakarta convinced that those from South Jakarta actually invited genies from Brunei, Malaysia, Iraq, Egypt.

Muchtar Pakpahan passed away on Sunday, March 21 yesterday. He died at the age of President of the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI), Said Iqbal, to offer his condolences for Muchtar's departure.

"Indonesian workers are deeply saddened by the death of Muchtar Pakpahan on Sunday evening," said Said Iqbal.