However, allegations regarding the controversial book, which centers on corruption, reportedly involving the country's most notables, remain an unanswered controversy. Two books, George Revisi Buku (George revises his book) and Cikeas Menjawab (Cikeas responds), produced by two different writers to counter accusations launched by George, have failed to provide substantial evidence and counter statements in defense of parties accused in George's book.

The release of Membongkar Gurita Cikeas came at the same time the House of Representatives' inquiry committee started the parliamentary investigation into the Rp 6.76 trillion (US$716 million) bailout of Bank Century. It is also unclear whether the book is a product of journalism or academic/research literature.

In literary writing, it is acceptable if George has quoted data and information from secondary sources - the media and the Internet - in completing his book. And if it is considered a product of journalism, it is acceptable under the journalists' code of ethics if he does not identify sources, whose data and statements he quotes in the book.

But if it is meant for commercial and academic purposes, the book is considered less credible as no sources are mentioned, giving the impression that allegations are groundless and not based on facts.

George claims he undertook research, made analyses based on the information he obtained and concluded that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had imitated the manner of the late former president Soeharto in building, maintaining and developing his career in politics, particularly through a number of foundations.

And the 183-page Membongkar Gurita Cikeas basically narrates four foundations linked to Yudhoyono - Puri Cikeas, Mutu Manikam Nusantara, Kepedulian dan Kesetiakawanan, and Majelis Dzikir SBY Nurussalam - which he allegedly used to gain political and financial support, including during the 2009 presidential election.

Beyond everyone's expectations, however, the content and substance of both George Revisi Buku by junior writer Setiyardi Negara and Cikeas Menjawab by Garda Maeswara were considered poor.

George Revisi Buku does not offer substantial evidence to challenge or respond to the allegations George makes in his book. Its 31 pages are filled with statements or quotes that attack George's views, but do not touch or thoroughly counter the allegations he made.

Worse is Cikeas Menjawab. The spirit represented by the title of the 172-page book - Cikeas responds - is not well reflected in its content. In terms of writing quality, what the writer, Garda, did was nearly "copy and paste" the content of George's book with additional connecting words or sentences jumping from one issue to another.

He did quote statements of clarification by parties accused in George's book, but they were taken from national media reports.

Also, there is a small but significant typo in Garda's book. On page 76, it states that Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi's date of birth is Oct. 15, 2009. It should read Oct. 15, 1947.

Both George Revisi Buku and Cikeas Menjawab have failed to satisfy the basic public expectation of a balanced account from the parties whom George accused in Membongkar Gurita Cikeas: Di Balik Skandal Bank Century.

Nevertheless, George Revisi Buku and Cikeas Menjawab bequeath one positive aspect to the literary dispute settlement in the country. Both introduce a new, democratic tradition in literary publication - that book banning is not the immediate and only resort for parties that oppose publications, and that there is an elegant and constitutional settlement for such literary disputes.

- JP/Imanuddin Razak

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