Nationalist group concerns national integrity<\/p>\n
One of the new organizations has come to life in recent weeks
\nis the National Brotherhood Foundation or YKPK whose rank and
\nfile reflect the pluralistic Indonesian society. The Jakarta
\nPost talks to Lt. Gen. (ret) Bambang Triantoro, chairperson of
\nthe newly founded body.<\/p>\n
Question: How do you see the mushrooming of new organizations
\nin recent weeks?<\/p>\n
Answer: I am asking myself whether the term mushrooming is
\nright. I don't think it is mushrooming. People think that way
\nbecause of their own mind-set. People say there will be a new
\nMasyumi since there has been a new PNI (Indonesian National
\nUnity).<\/p>\n
Q: If it's not a action-reaction chain, then what is it?<\/p>\n
A: In commemorating our 50th anniversary it is important to
\nlook back and evaluate what we have achieved and what we have
\nnot. The golden anniversary has certainly given rise to the
\nawakening of thoughts, enthusiasm and a willingness to accomplish
\nmore. Even more so since we are also aware that after 50 years of
\nindependence we must still catch up with other nations. These may
\nbe the erosion of the values of our struggle, national values and
\nothers. It stands to reason that people feel called upon to take
\naction.<\/p>\n
Individual action is difficult, that is why people try to
\nalign thoughts and feelings with others. Such agreement may
\nresult in action through an organization. Thus, an organization
\nis born.<\/p>\n
Q: You referred to things not yet achieved after 50 years.
\nWhat are they?<\/p>\n
A: Well ... actually I have not finished about the reasons
\nthat lead people to establish an organization. What I just
\nmentioned was only the first factor. The second one is our own
\ncondition as a nation among other nations in the world, in a
\nsituation of togetherness named globalization.<\/p>\n
With closer ties among nations, each nation certainly desires
\nto place itself in a position of importance. Have we already
\nreached that position? If not, what makes us different from other
\nnations?<\/p>\n
By that method too we will see there are changes in values or
\nnorms -- as I mentioned before -- taking place around us. Thus,
\napart from being grateful for the progress achieved, we certainly
\nalso see the weaknesses, inadequacies and backwardness which need
\nto be addressed.<\/p>\n
Q: Is that the basis of the establishment of your
\norganization?<\/p>\n
A: Yes but there are many other reasons. And in honesty you
\nwill say that the present condition is not the situation of life
\nwe all desire. For example, with regard to justice, economics,
\npolitics and others. Once again, if you want to be honest, there
\nare still things that concern people.<\/p>\n
Q: What concrete steps can be taken by an organization like
\nYKPK to overcome, let's say, the erosion of values and norms?<\/p>\n
A: In my opinion, improvements must be made by the whole
\nnation. It is not possible to achieve it by one group only, even
\nif it has the biggest mass throughout Indonesia. Each person who
\nclaims to be an Indonesian must take part in the efforts.<\/p>\n
For example, the success of the family planning program.
\nIndeed, for the effort, we have an agency, the national family
\nplanning coordination board, but if the women and the men do not
\nparticipate in the effort, do not share the feeling that we need
\nto control birth, the program would not have succeeded.<\/p>\n
Another example, the national discipline campaign. This is
\nalso on the rise due to our concern to see how people now easily
\ndeviate from rules. If now people are still disappointed in this
\nmovement it is because not everybody sees discipline as an
\nimportant issue.<\/p>\n
Q: So, what is the position of a mass organization in the
\nefforts for improvement?<\/p>\n
A: A mass organization can be the engine for improvements. We
\ncan do that by various methods, one is through informal
\neducation. What we have done at YKPK are activities like seminars
\nand discussions. Through these, hopefully many people will learn
\nabout the values we put forward and absorb them. These people
\nwill in turn hopefully bring these values into practice.<\/p>\n
We will also conduct social activities as a form of example
\nsetting for the community. I cannot say what form the activities
\nwill take because it is still being prepared by a team. I hope we
\ncan start the activities early next year.<\/p>\n
Q: What is your opinion on presidential succession?<\/p>\n
A: Succession is a national issue that should exist not only
\nat this moment. Thus, we can discuss a presidential term for
\nexample. Indeed, the 1945 Constitution enables one to be re-
\nelected again and again. Do you want another system? For example,
\na limit of two terms? If so, the People's Consultative Assembly
\nmust decide this in a general session.<\/p>\n
But many think the current rule is adequate and is more
\nfeasible for our nation. For other nations, this does not work.
\nFor us, however, this is probably the most suitable.<\/p>\n
Q: Can you explain your opinion?<\/p>\n
A: Continuity implies consistency. As a nation we once
\nexperienced a cabinet that did not last one year. The
\nConstitution stipulates that the cabinet is led by the president
\nand not by a prime minister. What will happen if every term there
\nwas a change of president?<\/p>\n
So, perhaps, the general session of the People's Consultative
\nAssembly should discuss who among us is the most suitable now to
\nbe president.<\/p>\n
In this case we should not discuss the person, but rather the
\ncriteria. Anybody can propose criteria. These will be presented
\nfor analysis to the general session of the People's Consultative
\nAssembly.<\/p>\n
It is sad, sorry to say this, I read it in a magazine, there
\nwas somebody who said that for many people in YKPK the person for
\npresident was Vice President Try Sutrisno. This is horrible. I
\ntake pity on him. We have never thought that way and I am sure
\nPak Try has never thought so either. He would not possibly use
\nthis organization to present him as a candidate. (swa, hbk)<\/p>\n
Lt. Gen. (ret) Bambang Triantoro has held a number of
\nimportant posts, including Chief for the Social and Political
\nAffairs of the Armed Forces, is now a member of the Supreme
\nCouncil.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/nationalist-group-concerns-national-integrity-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}