More support for reform<\/p>\n
Support for the idea of total and peaceful political reform is
\npouring in from people of all ages and walks of life. These
\npeople's voices are being clearly heard above the boisterous
\nmayhem and worsening economic crisis gripping the country. They
\nspeak for the nation in demanding total political reform because
\nchanges that include no less than a changing of the guard would
\nfail to heal the country's wounds.<\/p>\n
The latest support for total reform has come from various
\norganizations and groups of respected citizens, including the
\nnewly established Council of People's Mandate (MAR), the
\nspokesman of which is noted politician Amien Rais, and the
\nNational Committee for Reform (KNI-Reformasi) which is supported
\nby professors of state universities throughout Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Some retired senior military officers belonging to the
\ngeneration of freedom fighters like President Soeharto, the
\ninfluential Association of Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI), the 30-
\nmillion-strong Nahdlatul Ulama Moslem organization and leaders of
\nthe Golkar-affiliated organization Kosgoro have also expressed
\ntheir support for the idea, which was first vigorously advocated
\nby students across the country.<\/p>\n
Some of these organizations have spoken bluntly, while others
\nhave used euphemisms in publicizing their positions. But their
\ndemands are the same: In order to overcome the current stormy
\ncrisis, this country badly needs a new government. Expressing
\nsuch an opinion is a common thing in a democracy and we believe
\nthat they are fully aware of the rules of the democratic game.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the manner in which each of these group's
\nopinions have been forwarded, each has shown unusual courage
\nwhile speaking on behalf of the people's aspirations. This new
\nphenomenon is a harbinger of a new era for this nation.<\/p>\n
Judging by their demands, we also note a great potential and
\nappeal in their cause. The desirability of these organizations'
\ngoal of peaceful reform is such that it is almost certain to
\nbecome reality. The reform movement's power also stems from the
\npeaceful way its proponents have forwarded their ideas while also
\nlistening to the people's heartbeat over the deafening voice for
\nchange -- a connection which others seem to have failed to
\nachieve.<\/p>\n
This has been made possible because ordinary people have long
\nbeen confused as to where to address their aspirations. They have
\nfound in the past that their official governmental
\nrepresentatives have not been sensitive enough to their plights
\n-- as indicated by an increasing number of people who have lodged
\ncomplaints to the National Commission on Human Rights. The fact
\nthat no faction within the People's Consultative Assembly was
\nwilling to voice the aspirations of the student movement during
\nits meeting in March is the latest proof of this.<\/p>\n
The newly established organizations carrying the torch for
\nreform show no motive other than a sense of nationalism because
\nthey speak resolutely and responsibly for the nation's future,
\nwhich now seems in jeopardy.<\/p>\n
The fact that they have conveyed their messages in a peaceful
\nmanner should be understood as a sign of true wisdom.<\/p>\n
The call for reform is now even supported by the ruling elite,
\nsome of whom had staunchly opposed the idea before. However, the
\ndifference between their interpretation of reform and the
\npeople's interpretation is so great that it seems impossible to
\nbridge the two positions. But if all parties are able to equally
\ndisplay the wisdom needed and a willingness to sacrifice, the
\nproblem could be solved in the best possible manner.<\/p>\n
A failure to this would only push our nation into greater
\nmayhem.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/more-support-for-reform-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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