Ministers back dialog on economic crisis<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Two senior cabinet ministers declared their
\nsupport yesterday for a plan to hold a national dialog involving
\npublic figures and staunch critics of the government to discuss
\nways of overcoming the present economic crisis.<\/p>\n
Minister of Defense Gen. Edi Sudradjat and Minister of Home
\nAffairs Moch. Yogie S.M. said they hoped the dialog, planned for
\nthis week, would come up with a set of recommendations.<\/p>\n
They would be treated as input for the government, Edi said
\nbefore attending a limited cabinet meeting to discuss the
\nnation's political and security situation. "We'll channel these
\nrecommendations to relevant government agencies."<\/p>\n
Edi suggested the results of the dialog be presented to the
\nHouse of Representatives (DPR). "I'm sure their aspirations will
\nfind their way to the top leaders."<\/p>\n
Yogie, who presided over the meeting, said the government
\nwould respond positively to the planned dialog. "We will, in all
\nearnest, accept the people's aspirations," he said.<\/p>\n
Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung gave a different
\nresponse when asked for his opinion. "It's none of my business,"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
The dialog was the initiative of Adi Sasono, secretary-general
\nof the influential Association of Indonesian Moslem
\nIntellectuals. Adi suggested the inclusion of critical public
\nfigures such as Megawati Soekarnoputri, Abdurrahman Wahid and
\nAmien Rais in the dialog.<\/p>\n
All three figures have been vocal in recent weeks in calling
\nfor political reforms, which they said were the only way out of
\nthe current economic predicament.<\/p>\n
Megawati, the ousted Indonesian Democratic Party leader, and
\nAmien, chairman of the 28-million strong Muhammadiyah Moslem
\norganization, said they would gladly take part in the dialog.<\/p>\n
However, Abdurrahman, the chairman of the 30-million strong
\nNahdlatul Ulama Moslem organization, said he could not join
\nbecause he had prior commitments in East Java this week.<\/p>\n
The Republika daily reported yesterday the meeting would be
\nheld Friday in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Yesterday's meeting was the first after a four-month hiatus,
\nand the first since the death of Coordinating Minister for
\nPolitical Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman last month.<\/p>\n
President Soeharto has decided against replacing Soesilo since
\nthe cabinet will be disbanded March 1 to make way for a new
\ncabinet.<\/p>\n
Also present at the meeting were Minister of Justice Oetojo
\nOesman, Attorney General Singgih, State Intelligence Coordinating
\nBoard Chief Moetojib and National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo.<\/p>\n
Yogie said later that the meeting reviewed the political
\nsituation and concluded that certain parties were taking
\nadvantage of the crisis by fanning rumors to create unrest among
\npeople.<\/p>\n
"The government will not sit still. We will take firm action
\nagainst those who spread rumors," he said.<\/p>\n
Yogie asked people to remain calm.<\/p>\n
He also told traders and shopkeepers not to hoard food
\nsupplies because such an action could further create unrest.<\/p>\n
The government, he said, would also deal firmly against people
\nwho tried to profit from the situation.<\/p>\n
Police and the military have launched an operation to check on
\nshops in Jakarta and major cities following reports that some
\nhave refused to sell their products or were only willing to do so
\nafter hiking prices. (imn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ministers-back-dialog-on-economic-crisis-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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