Icon Velvet Revolution

Budiarto Shambazy, executive summary by Darmansjah

Vaclav Havel (74), the icon is credited with knocking down Velvet Revolution Czechoslovak communist regime in 1989. Playwright who became the first Czech president after the split with Slovakia is now busy directing the film "departure" which was appointed to the big screen of one of his novels.

In his small office and filled with shelves of books in Prague, the son of former ambassador and renowned journalist is leading the various institutions engaged in cultural activities, social, and political. One of the Forum 2000, held annual conferences since 1997 that was attended by leaders and scientists from various countries.

Since the 1960 recipient of dozens of honorary doctorates from various national and international universities that are already struggling against communism, including mobilizing the forces of democracy are silenced by the invasion of Soviet troops who came to fame as the Prague Spring in 1968. In 1977 he formed the Charta 77 who opposed the communist regime, which imprisoned him. Since then Havel, who comes from a wealthy family and intellectuals, the opposition leader who has the support of national and international.

Former heavy smokers had presided at "Velvet Revolution" November 1989, which would trigger a change in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Communist regimes collapsed, the Berlin Wall collapsed taun 1989, Germany reunited in 1990, and the Soviet Union broke up in 1991. Velvet Revolution meroketkan Havel's political career is elected as President of Czechoslovakia, in December 1989, through multiparty democratic elections.

During the lead, Havel is now seen as the moral leader of Czechoslovakia's herding towards a new era, including the Czech Republic with Slovakia's separation is he really about. Czech is now a modern country that joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union. Havel, who are friends with the rock stars, such as the Rolling Stones and U2 personnel, receive Compass for an interview about an hour,

 What are your daily activities?

My two activities. First, in this old age I am trying to be a director. I make films, his shooting is almost complete. It's time consuming and stressful, much heavier than I expected. Second, perform the function as the former president in this small office with three members of my staff, namely writing, answering letters, and organizing meetings.

How is the view of the changes in Eastern Europe? Are there any concerns with the current state because some countries have experienced economic crisis?

Overall we were satisfied that some of the ideals of social change have been met, at least in our society lead to it. We are a democratic country with a parliamentary system and market economy. We already have security guarantees as NATO members. And it is not easy to achieve the goal of expanding membership of NATO. So also with the expansion of EU membership. This is why we are satisfied. However, I have 1001 reasons to be dissatisfied. In the end there's always things that are complained of in any circumstances under any regime.

I would like to add. You mention about the role of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and the idea of ​​change stood for. What happens when the crisis of a system (communism) and of course was initiated by Gorbachev's perestroika is not the only influential factor. Our struggle through the Charta 77, dissident movements in the Soviet Union and other communist countries, is the result of a profound crisis of the system. And of course the change is accelerated when Gorbachev came to power.

Czech and Slovakia has been separated long enough. There is remorse, perhaps?

My generation, like generations before me, raised by our awareness of the Czechoslovak state and anyone who wants to split up is a fascist or an enemy state. This awareness is survived by the divisions (Czech with Slovak) major trauma, especially for the Czech nation. No matter how all had been forgotten and now no longer so traumatic for anyone. Now we are two independent states which establish intimate relationships in a better condition than when it is still one country. So, this separation takes place well.

In my opinion, this separation is required .. Of course this separation resulted in negative things.

For example, once people understand the language of Slovakia and the Czech vice versa. Now it is not because the news was broadcast in two languages ​​as it once was. Cultural cooperation is not as tightly as before. However, overall I feel we live in the best era of bilateral relations as two independent states.

I consider the most important separation peaceful and quiet. That may be related to the fact both the Czechs and Slovaks are not easily tempered, who completed a difference in the store, (not) through the war. And is also associated with a clear border of our region. Since the first of Czechoslovakia did not have a problem that is often so early a local conflict, namely the problem of border regions.

There is an assumption plan the deployment of NATO missile defense system initiated by U.S. President George W Bush and Barack Obama proved that the Czech nation the U.S. can be arranged.

I disagree. We are part of the Allied members who listened to every sound that participated in the decision making process. Of course the U.S. is one hundred times larger than the Czech had a greater influence, obviously. And related missile defense system, leave to the experts how to best shape the system. Unfortunately, in our country who do not consider that there are scientific or technical issues, but issues of national pride. What is the problem if we have a radar? My value does not make sense of their objections to the plan under the pretext of nationalism or patriotism a strange, who do not respect the Allies.

Within that framework there are signs of U.S. and Russian relations back stiffened, for example they do not want to agree on New START (reduction of strategic nuclear weapons). Did you see this as a sign of new Cold War?

I hope this is not going to develop into a new Cold War. I value this agreement is important because the number of nuclear weapons in the world too much. Even if the nations largest owner to reduce the amount to be half anything, it is not influential, they can still do anything. However, there was no threat of the Cold War not only because the conditions in Russia and Europe changed significantly, but also because the world no longer divided into two poles. Now there are many superpower and they offset each other in ways that are quite complicated.

How is your assessment of China as there are who think the second Cold War between the U.S. and China now has the power of economic, political, and military so powerful?

China's growing economic role and growing rapidly. However, in my opinion, and I also wrote about this in a congratulatory letter to (Nobel Laureate) Liu Xiaobo, a fast growing economy is not compatible with authoritarian political system in the long run. In my opinion, the future of China will experience the process of democratization because it's their only chance. Otherwise, they stop economic progress. On the other hand, the rapid progress of China should be admired. Of course there are various shortcomings, such as a flood of pirated goods export them and others.

Are you worried about the military might of China in the Asia-Pacific region will be used to attack other countries?

I do not know, but all the escalation of tensions leading to conflict of suicide and I value highly unlikely China would commit suicide. Globally connected world and regional conflicts can lead to conflict involving all parties quickly. And no doubt, wise leaders recognize this.

Now many border conflicts among the countries in the Asia-Pacific. We in this region are very concerned with recent developments.

Sure I understand, but with a glimpse from afar, without in-depth knowledge of all conflicts, I value it will not develop a disaster. What I find most dangerous North Korea. It seems that reigned there people who are less sane.

Is Korean reunification is achieved within one or two years?

Perhaps, but North Korea must change. South Korea, based on my visit there, ready for reunification. However it seems difficult to bring together the authoritarian regimes that are less sane democratic country, is not it? Maybe it can be done, but we were hard to imagine.

In the last ten years most of the people disillusioned with democracy in Indonesia because of money politics and elections / disputed 2009 election to the Constitutional Court. How is your view?

I have no particular opinion about the development in Indonesia because it is not involved in politics again. I do not concern themselves with politics from morning till night. However, there is an obvious thing. After each transformation from an authoritarian to a democratic system, there is a phase of euphoria and disappointment later stage. And it is a normal phenomenon.

There is a third stage?

Everyday life.

Indonesia has experienced various problems of diversity, tolerance towards other religions increasingly disrespected. Your view?

It's a paradox, but the range of serious danger that threatens civilization stems from the fact that we lose God, loss of confidence and awareness of the infinite universe, or loss of a higher moral authority. It was on one side. On the other hand, at the same time too many local conflicts that took place in the name of various religions. It seems we drive out the good side of religion through the door, but he came back through the window in an amorphous condition again.

There are two prominent Asian interesting comment, namely Liu Xiaobo and Aung San Suu Kyi, who had just been released from house arrest.

I have the right to nominate Nobel Peace Prize recipient, in my opinion has always discussed the Nobel Committee. I was very moved by these two characters my proposal was accepted (as the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize). Of course I'm not the only one who was running for Suu Kyi and Liu. Two days ago I spoke by phone with Suu Kyi since she is now more freely.

Still listening to rock music?

I am not a music expert, but fond of each type of good music, whether classical, rock, or jazz.

've Read the autobiography of Rolling Stones guitarist, Keith Richards published recently titled Life?

Not yet. If not mistaken he had sent the book because we are good friends. However, I have little time to read.