Aspirations for reform<\/p>\n
The clamor for economic and political reform may die down
\ntemporarily now that the new cabinet has been installed.<\/p>\n
Unlike the students and housewives, however, who can only
\ngrumble if, within the next few months, prices do not go down
\nsignificantly, the rest of the population may just pray and wait
\nfor better times.<\/p>\n
Of course, the above is a scenario drawn up and engineered by
\nthe governmentmakers. The reality could be entirely different
\ndepending on what the students and other intellectuals perceive
\nof the composition of the new cabinet and its prospective.<\/p>\n
In golf, there is a Father & Son Challenge game in which they
\nteam up to record the best under par result. In a cabinet, such
\nteamwork creates a kind of suspicion, at least in democratic
\nsocieties.<\/p>\n
This team looks more likely set to challenge rather than
\naccommodate the IMF prescription. Patriotic sentiments are more
\ndiscernible than economic or political pragmatism for that
\nmatter.<\/p>\n
When the founding fathers of this republic, notably Sukarno
\nand Hatta, rose against Dutch colonial rule, they were students.
\nAlso it was students who helped the New Order topple the then
\npresident. Some of them were rewarded later with ministerial
\nposts, to be traced easily until today.<\/p>\n
No doubt, justice and history are trampled upon if student
\nmovements and aspirations are suppressed. Nobody should dare to
\nforget that from the start of the independent movement (1926),
\nstudents played decisive roles.<\/p>\n
In times of crisis, like now, their voices must be heard, for
\nignoring their call and aspirations could well mean ignoring the
\ncourse of history and justice. They represent the people's
\nconscience.<\/p>\n
A former minister like Emil Salim, who has so passionately
\nappealed for total reform -- economic and political reform --
\nincluding a broader basis for the new cabinet, has, apparently,
\nno more place in the conscience of the rulers.<\/p>\n
Under such a turmoil of body and spirit, what springs to mind
\nis that the economic and political labyrinth we have created,
\nknowingly or unknowingly, would stay for an indefinite period, as
\nlong as the term of the presidency is not limited.<\/p>\n
In a recent TV interview, the secretary-general of the Central
\nJournalists Association, Parni Hadi, advocated to limit this to
\ntwo terms. Many intellectuals and the younger generation share
\nthis view.<\/p>\n
Now we shall again have a period where the ministers \"have a
\nfree ride\". They can do no wrong since they are only responsible
\nto the head of state instead of to the House of Representatives.<\/p>\n
Any constitutional reform should include changes in the
\nelection system.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/aspirations-for-reform-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }