Merayakan Kebebasan Beragama - Democracy Project

Democracy Projectthinking on a given issue much less get him the words to express histhoughts. Djohan was in a remarkable position to shape governmentpolicy through the middle period of the Soeharto regime, a timewhen public dissent, particularly in religious matters, was subject tocareful scrutiny, and civil society did not enjoy the freedom topublicly debate sensitive matters relating to the faith, ethnicity andcommunal identity in the way that it now does. This, however, wasbut one part of Djohan’s life as a public intellectual. Another verysignificant part of his life lay in the significant contribution he madein the lives of others, generally young people and generally on a oneto-onebasis. Critics, might portray this in terms that see Djohan castas a kind of Forrest Gump figure — ever present at critical momentsin the life of the nation but a more accidental presence of the keyplayer. This would be selling him short. Despite his unassumingnature Djohan very much knew what he was doing, as is evidencedamply by his consistent ability to put words, often very pointedwords, in the mouth of the president. But this is not where it stops,for although his presence is generally very low key, Djohan played aquietly catalytic role in inspiring encouraging and directing youngminds. Moreover, he did this not just within the one community butacross a diverse range of social groups. As a progressive Islamicintellectual he naturally helped shape the several generations ofprogressive thinkers that followed him, but he also played a key rolein the fostering and development of inter-faith dialogue in Indonesia.A quick scan of the table of contents of this volume reveals the extentof his influence.A common theme running through all of the contributions tothis volume is the sense of affection and respect felt towards Djohancombined with an awareness that none of us know him completelyand absolutely. Whilst many of the papers explore themes of deepinterest to Djohan a small group of papers engage directly withrecollections and reflections on knowing him and his thought.Perhaps the most valuable of these is the one penned by Djohanhimself describing his journey from an earnest and naturallyconservative young man through to becoming an original and earnestprogressive thinker consistently promoting pluralism and tolerance.I can’t claim to know Djohan as well as many of the contributors tothis volume but I share with them a sense of privilege in having toBunga Rampai Menyambut 70 Tahun Djohan Effendi| 753