Christian students are calling for political reform<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Christian Students Movement is
\ncalling for political reform to allow public participation in
\nboth political and economic activities.<\/p>\n
The movement says the changes in the political system must be
\nintroduced in phases to avoid upheavals that could bring
\nundesired consequences.<\/p>\n
The proposal made available to the press yesterday was only
\none of the recommendations issued at the conclusion of the
\nmovement's latest national congress in Ciawi, 60 kilometers south
\nof here. The congress lasted from Feb. 9 to Feb. 15.<\/p>\n
Various political experts and activists addressed the week-
\nlong congress that brought together 250 members from across the
\ncountry. The students used the occasion to commemorate the
\norganization's 45th anniversary.<\/p>\n
The statement signed by the movement's chairman, Immanuel E.
\nBlegur, said that despite the various successes in economic
\ndevelopment over the past 25 years, the people remain largely
\ndeprived of their political rights.<\/p>\n
Besides that, the gulf between the rich and the poor is
\nwidening because only a few groups are benefiting from the
\nstate's economic policies and human rights abuses are rife,
\nBlegur said.<\/p>\n
Political reform is needed to maintain national unity and
\nachieve a just and democratic society,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He emphasized that the reform must be constitutional,
\nconstructive and gradual.<\/p>\n
\"The Christian Students Movement does not want a revolution
\nthrough bloodshed or any other means that can threaten the
\nnation's unity,\" he said. \"The reform should aim at reinstating
\nthe people's political and economic rights.\"<\/p>\n
The movement also supports proposals that the number of terms
\na president can serve should be limited to two in order to enable
\nsmooth succession of the top national leadership.<\/p>\n
\"A governor's term is limited to two, so why not the
\npresident's?\" Blegur said.<\/p>\n
The limitation of the number of terms of office a president
\ncan serve was a matter of national debate prior to the 1992
\ngeneral election, when the chairman of the Indonesian Democratic
\nParty proposed that the number be limited to two.<\/p>\n
The 1945 Constitution states that a president must serve for
\nfive years and \"can be re-elected\" without making it clear how
\nmany times he can be returned to office.<\/p>\n
Blegur argued that now is the right time for politicians to
\ndebate the need for limiting the number of terms because the
\nnation will review the Guidelines of State Policy ahead of the
\nupcoming presidential election in 1998.<\/p>\n
The movement also criticized the executive branch of the
\ngovernment for its habit of making decisions without consulting
\nthe House of Representatives.<\/p>\n
\"The executive body has frequently acted beyond its authority
\nby taking up the tasks of the House of Representatives and the
\nPeople's Consultative Assembly, such as formulating draft laws,\"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
The movement advised that the Armed Forces should remain
\nneutral and not meddle in the internal affairs of political
\nparties.<\/p>\n
Immanuel said the movement did not object to the Armed Force's
\ndual function in defense and politics, but said the military
\nshould never take sides with any political organization.<\/p>\n
\"Armed forces everywhere in the world are neutral and they
\nstand above all groups. The Indonesian Armed Force's favoring of
\na certain political organization will affect the development of
\ndemocracy,\" he said. (rms)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/christian-students-are-calling-for-political-reform-1447893297",
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"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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