NGOs form pressure group<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Activists formed another pressure group
\nyesterday, demanding that the government lower prices, uproot
\ncorruption and overhaul the political system.<\/p>\n
Established by labor activists, human rights campaigners,
\nlawyers, political activists, journalists and women's rights
\nactivists, the new group is called the Indonesian People's
\nCouncil (Majelis Rakyat Indonesia, or Mari).<\/p>\n
The activists come from 25 non-governmental organizations
\nwell-known for their critical stand against government
\norganizations such as Aldera, the Indonesian Prosperous Labor
\nUnion (SBSI) and the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute.<\/p>\n
SBSI chief Muchtar Pakpahan, criminologist Mulyana W. Kusumah,
\nhuman rights campaigner H.J.C. Princen and lawyer Bambang
\nWidjojanto are on the list of the 26-member steering committee.<\/p>\n
Politician Ridwan Saidi of the Moslem-based new Masyumi and
\nDjathi Koesoemo, a legislator from the rift-ridden Indonesian
\nDemocratic Party, were listed on the nine-member Executive board.<\/p>\n
Ridwan Saidi said the organization was formed out of concern
\nabout what he sees as widespread corruption and abuse of power in
\nthe government.<\/p>\n
"Monopolistic and oligopolistic practices have spurned social
\ninjustices and unequal distribution of development gains," he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Mari demanded that the government move to bring down prices,
\nuproot corruption, bring the "nation's traitors" to justice and
\namend the five political laws to allow democracy. (16)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ngos-form-pressure-group-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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