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No Regrets: Reflections of a Presidential Spokesman
"Gus Dur, you need some help. You are facing political sabotage and a hostile media. You need some kind of spokesman to explain and clarify your views so ordinary Indonesians can understand. You need someone like Wimar Witoelar." "No," Gus Dur replied, "I don t need someone like Wimar Witoelar. I need Wimar Witoelar." With those words, well-known media personality Wimar Witoelar found himself in the line of fire for a tumultuous ten months as Gus Dur's Chief Presidential Spokesman. Now, after the dust has settled, Wimar is able to say all the things he always wanted to but couldn't. He pointedly answers his critics and tells the story of what really happened behind-the-scenes during the final months of Indonesia s first democratically-elected leader. Filled with fascinating insights and revelations, NO REGRETS is a candid and witty exposé on the inner workings of the cut-throat political life of post-Soeharto Indonesia. Be prepared to have your opinions and views of Gus Dur's presidency-and also of contemporary Indonesian politics-dramatically altered by the person who saw it Indonesia's one-of-a kind Wimar Witoelar.
152 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2002
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About the author
Wimar Witoelar
9 books2 followersWimar Witoelar (lahir di Padalarang, Jawa Barat, 14 Juli 1945; umur 64 tahun) adalah putra termuda dari lima bersaudara pasangan Raden Achmad Witoelar Kartaadipoetra dan Nyi Raden Toti Soetiamah Tanoekoesoemah.[1] Ia adalah adik Rachmat Witoelar, Menteri Negara Lingkungan Hidup Republik Indonesia pada Kabinet Indonesia Bersatu dan adik ipar dari Erna Witoelar yang juga mantan Menteri Indonesia.
Wimar Witoelar dikenal sebagai seorang tokoh yang sering muncul di TV, selain itu ia juga pernah menjabat sebagai juru bicara Presiden Republik Indonesia pada era pemerintahan Abdurrahman Wahid, ia juga seorang kolumnis media massa lokal dan internasional (Today, Business Week, News week, Australian Financial Review), komentator TV (ABC, CNBC, CNN).
Wimar Witoelar juga sering dipercaya untuk menjadi pembicara dalam berbagai acara internasional dalam bidang politik dan ekonomi seperti di Sydney, London, Washington, New York, Singapura.
Wimar Witoelar dikenal sebagai seorang tokoh yang sering muncul di TV, selain itu ia juga pernah menjabat sebagai juru bicara Presiden Republik Indonesia pada era pemerintahan Abdurrahman Wahid, ia juga seorang kolumnis media massa lokal dan internasional (Today, Business Week, News week, Australian Financial Review), komentator TV (ABC, CNBC, CNN).
Wimar Witoelar juga sering dipercaya untuk menjadi pembicara dalam berbagai acara internasional dalam bidang politik dan ekonomi seperti di Sydney, London, Washington, New York, Singapura.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 24, 2009
As the person who didn't like Gusdur, I always underestimate him being one of our ex. president. It's not about his physical condition, but more about his communication style. His tendecy to always speak up about everything seems didn't match with his position as the leader of a country (in my opinion anyway).
Until I've found this book, I'd suddenly interested to know Gusdur much more especially when he was being our President. And I think, it will be better if I will go to the right person. So, there I was, choosed this book to learn about our controversial president.
Over all, this book can reset the image of Gusdur for me. After I'd read this book, I feel more objective to see Gusdur as the normal person who must be have the strength and weakness. But, actually, we can't deny that he already brought so much point to make our country better than before, especially in democracy.
Until I've found this book, I'd suddenly interested to know Gusdur much more especially when he was being our President. And I think, it will be better if I will go to the right person. So, there I was, choosed this book to learn about our controversial president.
Over all, this book can reset the image of Gusdur for me. After I'd read this book, I feel more objective to see Gusdur as the normal person who must be have the strength and weakness. But, actually, we can't deny that he already brought so much point to make our country better than before, especially in democracy.
June 9, 2018
After reading Nation in Waiting 2 years ago (which is about the New Order/Soeharto regime), this book really attracted me, as I also wasn't sure about what happened in Indonesia afterwards. Witoelar is certainly a household name, although one I must've heard sporadically as a child, hence not knowing exactly who it belongs to and what it means. And now all the questions above are finally answered within the pages of this book.
First of all, let me comment on his writing. I think his English is immaculate, using various idioms and figurative expressions to drive his points home, although there are still some apparent grammar mistakes—especially towards the end. I think, by this point, he probably became quite restless and drained from writing the book to really pay attention to all aspects of the writing. It is very easily understandable, even if you're not much into politics and/or good at English, I find. One thing you need to note is that this is the observation of one person through his experiences and knowledge. He was an intelligent and honest man, but a lot of the things in this book are lined with his own judgment—which isn't necessarily bad, just probably only one part of the story.
Regarding the contents of the book, it really shed some light on the politics of Indonesia post-1998 riots a.k.a. the most chaotic time of Indonesian politics. Gus Dur, the first people-elected president of Indonesia—I think—is lately quite a figure, after he has been dead for several years, that people look on with admiration. However, unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be case at all back then. This book really goes through the hardships he had to go through, while trying to build an honest democracy in this mess of a country. Sadly, he was forced to give up his seat before his 5-year mark, and the country seemed to revert back to the way it used to—with corruption and human rights violation running rampant. It really explains everything. How the people in power even today are still basically the same ones as that from the New Order. How Soeharto and his family got off scot-free to this day, until the man himself left this earth. Why so many people do not share the pride the rest of the world seem to blindly have for having elected a female president (spoiler alert: she didn't get elected by the people!).
Long story short, this is a heartbreaking story of an honest, intelligent man who tried to a reform a country, observed closely by one of his admirers and close friends, but it turns out you can't save a country from itself.
First of all, let me comment on his writing. I think his English is immaculate, using various idioms and figurative expressions to drive his points home, although there are still some apparent grammar mistakes—especially towards the end. I think, by this point, he probably became quite restless and drained from writing the book to really pay attention to all aspects of the writing. It is very easily understandable, even if you're not much into politics and/or good at English, I find. One thing you need to note is that this is the observation of one person through his experiences and knowledge. He was an intelligent and honest man, but a lot of the things in this book are lined with his own judgment—which isn't necessarily bad, just probably only one part of the story.
Regarding the contents of the book, it really shed some light on the politics of Indonesia post-1998 riots a.k.a. the most chaotic time of Indonesian politics. Gus Dur, the first people-elected president of Indonesia—I think—is lately quite a figure, after he has been dead for several years, that people look on with admiration. However, unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be case at all back then. This book really goes through the hardships he had to go through, while trying to build an honest democracy in this mess of a country. Sadly, he was forced to give up his seat before his 5-year mark, and the country seemed to revert back to the way it used to—with corruption and human rights violation running rampant. It really explains everything. How the people in power even today are still basically the same ones as that from the New Order. How Soeharto and his family got off scot-free to this day, until the man himself left this earth. Why so many people do not share the pride the rest of the world seem to blindly have for having elected a female president (spoiler alert: she didn't get elected by the people!).
Long story short, this is a heartbreaking story of an honest, intelligent man who tried to a reform a country, observed closely by one of his admirers and close friends, but it turns out you can't save a country from itself.
September 30, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes account into Gus Dur's day-to-day life in the presidency, as well as his rise and chaotic fall. This book is an easy and enjoyable read and will have you feeling like you have met the amazing man and personality of Gus Dur. It will certainly leave you missing his presence in Indonesia and the world today.
September 2, 2018
It is a honest book. It pointed out the truth blatantly and at the same time evade the pain from it elegantly. For ordinary people like me, politics is indeed a fast lane ticket to hell as they sell these day.
July 18, 2009
Jujur aja, kalo kantor gue ngga ngadain acara yang ngundang WW sebagai pembicara, gue ngga akan pernah baca buku ini.
Kenapa?
1. Gue ngga begitu familiar ama WW, gue ngga nonton talkshow2 yang WW bawain, gue ngga baca artikel2 yang WW tulis, gue juga ngga masukin buku-buku yang WW tulis ke dalam daftar bacaan gue. Begitupun biografinya WW yang ditulis ama Fira Basuki, gue ngga baca. Jadi bisa dibilang, gue cuma sekedar kenal nama doang ama WW.
2. Topik buku ini, jelas-jelas bukan selera gue banget. Gue bisa dibilang rada-rada cuek soal politik. Ngga begitu peduli. Apalagi, ngomongin Gus Dur..
Tapi, membaca buku WW yang satu ini, membuat gue menyadari bahwa WW adalah orang yang jagoan banget. Kenapa? Karena WW bisa membuat topik sedemikian beratnya tentang masa kepemimpinan Gus Dur yang, let's say, banyak kontroversinya menjadi begitu ringan, dan menghibur.
In English pula.
Bener-bener reading experience yang berharga banget buat gue.
Karena WW bisa menceritakan semuanya dengan gaya bertutur yang, simpel. Gue bahkan bisa mengerti apa yang WW sampaikan.
Maksud gue, buat gue pribadi, gue biasanya agak suka miss kalo baca buku dalam bahasa Inggris. Tapi hal ini ngga terjadi saat gue membaca bukunya WW ini.
Gue jadi ngerasa selama ini gue udah melewatkan orang se-jagoan, se-humble, se-smart, se-powerful WW.
Apalagi setelah gue dapet kesempatan untuk bertatap muka langsung (dan foto2 serta ngobrol sebentar hahah) ama WW.
Orangnya baiiiiikkk banget.
WW top deh!
Kenapa?
1. Gue ngga begitu familiar ama WW, gue ngga nonton talkshow2 yang WW bawain, gue ngga baca artikel2 yang WW tulis, gue juga ngga masukin buku-buku yang WW tulis ke dalam daftar bacaan gue. Begitupun biografinya WW yang ditulis ama Fira Basuki, gue ngga baca. Jadi bisa dibilang, gue cuma sekedar kenal nama doang ama WW.
2. Topik buku ini, jelas-jelas bukan selera gue banget. Gue bisa dibilang rada-rada cuek soal politik. Ngga begitu peduli. Apalagi, ngomongin Gus Dur..
Tapi, membaca buku WW yang satu ini, membuat gue menyadari bahwa WW adalah orang yang jagoan banget. Kenapa? Karena WW bisa membuat topik sedemikian beratnya tentang masa kepemimpinan Gus Dur yang, let's say, banyak kontroversinya menjadi begitu ringan, dan menghibur.
In English pula.
Bener-bener reading experience yang berharga banget buat gue.
Karena WW bisa menceritakan semuanya dengan gaya bertutur yang, simpel. Gue bahkan bisa mengerti apa yang WW sampaikan.
Maksud gue, buat gue pribadi, gue biasanya agak suka miss kalo baca buku dalam bahasa Inggris. Tapi hal ini ngga terjadi saat gue membaca bukunya WW ini.
Gue jadi ngerasa selama ini gue udah melewatkan orang se-jagoan, se-humble, se-smart, se-powerful WW.
Apalagi setelah gue dapet kesempatan untuk bertatap muka langsung (dan foto2 serta ngobrol sebentar hahah) ama WW.
Orangnya baiiiiikkk banget.
WW top deh!
October 21, 2012
This is a book with Wimar's personal touch - a book about Indonesia condition in the era of Gus Dur.
I never really hate Gus Dur, I have a fancy of him in some points but had been always critical to what he had been doing as an intellectual, culture man, Javanese, Muslim and all in all as a president.
Wimar's point of view has given me a positive drive though to ensure that my criticism is on the balanced state. I have been supporting Gus Dur and now I even realize that my support to him - owh it is not a real support, just a state of mind that I salute him and just a line of prayer for him - is now worthy.
It is a good book to balance your idea about Gus Dur if you oppose him. If you have been his follower, it is a great deal of material to enrich your knowledge about him.
I never really hate Gus Dur, I have a fancy of him in some points but had been always critical to what he had been doing as an intellectual, culture man, Javanese, Muslim and all in all as a president.
Wimar's point of view has given me a positive drive though to ensure that my criticism is on the balanced state. I have been supporting Gus Dur and now I even realize that my support to him - owh it is not a real support, just a state of mind that I salute him and just a line of prayer for him - is now worthy.
It is a good book to balance your idea about Gus Dur if you oppose him. If you have been his follower, it is a great deal of material to enrich your knowledge about him.
April 14, 2012
Before I read this book, I had completely no idea about the politic's condition in Indonesia. Therefore, after i read this; this book just opened my mind so i can be aware of how the politic here is doing its jobs.
This is a good book, tho. my first book in English that is being written by Indonesian. And, oh, i love the way he wrote the idioms there. :) it has serious and funny stories inside.
i think he should apply to be a president!
This is a good book, tho. my first book in English that is being written by Indonesian. And, oh, i love the way he wrote the idioms there. :) it has serious and funny stories inside.
i think he should apply to be a president!
October 9, 2007
The story of wimar as one "Gus Dur"ian in this country. Wimar gives something personal in this book and it's good to read. I only need less than 12 hours to reach the final page.
After reading this book, I don't regrets at all to be "Gus Dur"ian. HIDUP GUS MUS! loh?!?!?!?!
After reading this book, I don't regrets at all to be "Gus Dur"ian. HIDUP GUS MUS! loh?!?!?!?!
January 15, 2010
no regrets reading "No Regrets". Rekor membaca tercepatku setelah punya anak: 200 halaman dalam semalam :-D (yah ada bagian yang dilompat sih, tapi tidak lebih dari 10 persen)
January 17, 2010
Suka sama gaya bercerita WW di buku ini.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews