Seri Buku Tempo: Aidit (Indonesian Edition)

This book is highly praised for offering a fresh and personal perspective on D.N. Aidit, moving beyond the often simplistic and one-sided narratives found in traditional education. Readers appreciate how it delves into his family life, background, career, hobbies, and relationships, correcting common misconceptions about him. The book portrays Aidit as a complex figure from a privileged background, with an appreciation for poetry, religious devotion, and loyalty, driven by sympathy for unprivileged workers. It helps readers understand the communist ideology and the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) beyond superficial accounts, presenting "the other side" of historical events. Reviewers also lauded the book's accessible language, making complex history easy to understand, and the inclusion of supporting photographic documentation, making it a valuable starting point for deeper historical exploration with numerous references for further reading.

However, some reviewers noted that the book, being relatively concise at around 100 pages, might not be comprehensive enough to fully satisfy readers with a deep curiosity about Aidit or the PKI, serving more as an introduction than an exhaustive study. While insightful, it primarily focuses on Aidit's life and the events surrounding his involvement, which means it may not cover the full breadth of the PKI's history. A minor point of critique was the perceived quality of Aidit's poetry, which some found amusingly modest given his historical stature. Additionally, one reviewer highlighted that the book could be challenging to access, potentially limiting its reach to a wider audience.

Overall, the book comes highly recommended as an essential read for anyone seeking a more balanced and humanized understanding of D.N. Aidit and the historical events he was involved in. It successfully challenges preconceived notions and encourages critical thinking about history that has often been presented from a single perspective. This book is ideal for readers curious about Indonesian history, particularly the mid-20th century, who wish to explore the personal stories and motivations behind key figures. It serves as an excellent and accessible preamble for those looking to embark on further, more in-depth historical studies of a complex and often controversial subject.