Government critics ask Soeharto to step down<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): A group of 44 leading government critics,
\nincluding Amien Rais, senior journalist Goenawan Mohamad and
\nsenior economist Emil Salim, established the Majelis Amanah
\nRakyat (Council for People's Mandate) last night and demanded
\nPresident Soeharto resign.<\/p>\n
\"For the sake of this nation and for a smooth and peaceful
\nreform toward democracy, we call on President Soeharto to step
\naside,\" the council said in a statement read by Amien Rais,
\nchairman of the 28-million-strong Muhammadiyah Moslem
\norganization.<\/p>\n
The council also called on security forces to avoid repressive
\nactions when dealing with the ongoing reform movement.<\/p>\n
\"Only persuasive approaches will prevent a worsening of the
\nsituation,\" it said.<\/p>\n
The council also called on university students, the young
\ngeneration and the people in general to seriously and immediately
\nwork to restore the nation to normalcy.<\/p>\n
Asked what the council would do should President Soeharto
\nexpress a readiness to step down, Amien said they would first
\napproach the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the Armed
\nForces (ABRI) and leaders of the three political organizations to
\ndecide on follow-up measures.<\/p>\n
\"None of the elements in society, including ABRI, can work to
\nimprove the nation alone,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Other members of the council include human rights activists
\nAlbert Hasibuan and Adnan Buyung Nasution, astronomer and
\nphilosopher Karlina Leksono and former Jakarta governor Ali
\nSadikin.<\/p>\n
The council also listed senior economists Frans Seda and
\nSumitro Djojohadikoesoemo -- whose son is married to Soeharto's
\ndaughter Siti Hediati -- former Supreme Court justice Adi Andojo
\nSoetjipto, former cabinet minister Siswono Yudohusodo, Moslem
\npreachers Mustofa Bisri and Nurcholish Madjid, Catholic priest
\nFrans Magnis Soeseno, businessman Arifin Panigoro and scholars
\nIchlasul Amal, Saparinah Sadli and A. Syafii Maarif.<\/p>\n
The council, however, failed to include two leading pro-
\ndemocracy movement activists -- Megawati Soekarnoputri and
\nAbdurrahman Wahid -- as members.<\/p>\n
\"We tried to contact them up to the last minute, but they
\ncould not be reached,\" Amien said. (imn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/government-critics-ask-soeharto-to-step-down-1447893297",
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