Democratization process must never stop: Gus Dur<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Moslem leader Abdurrahman Wahid has reminded the
\nnation that democratization is an ongoing process which must
\nnever stop. Once it falters, he said, democratization becomes
\n\"totalitarian\".<\/p>\n
Speaking at a gathering that was originally meant to be a
\nrepeat of a renowned meeting of four reform figures -- between
\nAbdurrahman Wahid, Megawati Soekarnoputri, Amien Rais and Sri
\nSultan Hamengkubuwono X in November -- Abdurrahman pointed out
\nthat his meeting with, among others, Armed Forces Commander Gen.
\nWiranto, was an effort to perpetuate the process.<\/p>\n
The meeting on Sunday night was not attended by the three
\nother reform figures but became lively with the presence of
\nstudent activists and Armed Forces (ABRI) legislator Hari
\nSabarno, head of the Supreme Advisory Council A.A. Baramuli,
\nreform figure Sri Edi Swasono, scholars Mudji Sutrisno and Franz
\nMagnis Suseno and poet W.S. Rendra.<\/p>\n
Amien's flight was delayed from North Sumatra's capital,
\nMedan, but there was no word as to why Megawati -- popular leader
\nof a faction of the splintered Indonesian Democratic Party -- or
\nYogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, were absent.<\/p>\n
Abdurrahman, who is fondly known as Gus Dur, pointed out that
\nboth democratic institutions and processes were needed. Without
\none or the other, \"democracy will become a mere ornament, the way
\nit is in Indonesia.\"<\/p>\n
\"This is what happens to Indonesia. We have a Supreme Court,
\nwhich is not functioning, we have the Supreme Advisory Council,
\nwhich is not functioning,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"What's disturbing my mind the most is the absence of a
\ntradition of democracy. There's not yet equal rights for every
\ncitizen. There's not yet a just government,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Abdurrahman proposed a national dialog earlier this month and
\na national reconciliation in order to stave off deterioration in
\nIndonesia's social, economic and political situation. His motion
\nreceived great support but was rejected by President B.J.
\nHabibie.<\/p>\n
Abdurrahman then met with Wiranto, and both agreed that a
\nnational dialog did not need to be formalized. Abdurrahman went
\non to meet with Habibie on Saturday, which both believed was part
\nof the ongoing process to establish national dialog.<\/p>\n
Also at last night's gathering, Abdurrahman revealed that
\nduring his meeting with Wiranto, he spoke about the Armed Forces
\nplan to establish a civilian militia called Rakyat Terlatih
\n(trained civilians), also known as Ratih.<\/p>\n
\"I support the plan... I asked Wiranto who will lead it? If
\nhe leads it, if he does the recruiting and other things, I can
\nsleep with peace of mind. Otherwise, I would be obligated to
\nreject the plan as strongly as I could. Praise be to Allah, he
\nsaid he would lead it,\" Abdurrahman said.<\/p>\n
Abdurrahman also called for just treatment for former
\npresident Soeharto. \"Some demonstrators demanded that Pak Harto
\nbe dragged to court. As a Javanese and an elder person, I cannot
\nimagine this... please don't say it, I can't imagine myself
\nbeing dragged,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"I am not defending him but let's do everything in accordance
\nwith the law,\" he said. (edt\/swe)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/democratization-process-must-never-stop-gus-dur-1447893297",
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