THE story of Syafruddin Prawiranegara is proof that history is often manipulated according to those in power. For decades the leader of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) was 'blacklisted' by the previous regime. We hope that naming Syarifudin Prawinegara as a national hero will be part of the endeavor to set straight our historical record. Tan Malaka, another 'father of the republic' should not be overlooked either.

Sya