Limits to freedom<\/p>\n
I read the front page article 'Unrecognized new party gains
\nmore support' in The Jakarta Post of June 18, 1996.<\/p>\n
I was surprised at the conclusion made by your newspaper, a
\npaper usually cautious in giving its opinion. The Post said that
\nthe newly formed opposition Indonesian Democratic Union Party
\n(PDUI) gained the support of a former general and two scholars at
\na seminar.<\/p>\n
Former general Soemitro said at the seminar that \"There is
\nnothing illegal in forming a new political party because the 1945
\nConstitution guarantees the right to speech and assembly.\" He
\nfurther said that it was up to the people to determine whether
\nthey need a new party or not. Soemitro called on the highest law
\nmaking body to review the political laws.<\/p>\n
What Soemitro said is similar to the statement made some time
\nago by Coordinating Minister of Political Affairs and Security
\nSoesilo Soedarman. Soemitro said nothing about supporting the
\nPDUI. As a mature democratic politician Soemitro stated something
\nbut actually said nothing, just like most politicians and
\ndiplomats.<\/p>\n
A few months ago a new PNI and Masyumi were formed. The
\ngovernment acted according to law. It did not forbid the birth of
\nnew parties but it could not recognize the newcomers. And again,
\nbased on the existing law, the new parties cannot participate in
\nthe general elections. The members, like all Indonesian citizens,
\ncan vote.<\/p>\n
At the same seminar, scholar Mochtar Buchori said something
\nabout redefining opposition. In my opinion there is nothing to
\nredefine, because Pancasila democracy does not recognize
\nopposition and the mentioned harassment was exaggerated.<\/p>\n
Sri Bintang Pamungkas has said so many things that might cause
\nthe ears of the government to become red. He is still talking yet
\nthere is no harassment whatsoever from the government. If there
\nis any, it may be from groups that do not agree with him.<\/p>\n
Also Arief Budiman, known as a government critic, is still
\nfree to express his criticism and will continue to do so.
\nPresident Soeharto said criticism is necessary, because it can
\ncreate creativity, an element vital for development.<\/p>\n
There is no such thing as unlimited freedom in a multifaceted
\nsociety. Mutual understanding and tolerance should be the basis
\nof our conduct.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/limits-to-freedom-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }