'People will demand more freedom'<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian people's demands will shift over
\nthe next 25 years from daily needs to quality of life and will
\ninclude the freedoms of expression, speech and association,
\nformer minister of environment Emil Salim said yesterday.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a national conference on social solidarity, which
\nwas sponsored by the Ministry of Social Services, Emil said
\nthat, since those aspirations are closely related to social
\naffairs, the minister of social services should discuss them with
\nthe coordinating minister of political affairs and security, the
\nhome affairs minister and the Armed Forces leaders.<\/p>\n
According to Emil, during the past 25 years the people have
\npaid more attention to daily needs, such as food, clothes, health
\ncare and basic education.<\/p>\n
But now, he said, the people have greater aspirations.<\/p>\n
\"It is also high time to review the life and nature of
\npolitical parties in order to better channel their aspirations,\"
\nhe added.<\/p>\n
Emil also said that the government should give more space to
\nnon-governmental organizations (NGOs).<\/p>\n
\"Do not oppose them because there are one or two that are
\nnaughty,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"If they violate laws take them to court,\" he said. He advised
\nthe authorities not to underestimate the NGOs' potential.<\/p>\n
\"Institutionally, they look small, but actually they have a
\nvery large network,\" he said.<\/p>\n
In the social domain, he said, the situation will be change
\nmarkedly, he said. as a result of population growth, the advance
\nof modern technology and the impact of globalization on
\nIndonesian society.<\/p>\n
Emil said Indonesia's population would soon reach 200 million
\npeople with better health, longer life expectancy and better
\neducation.<\/p>\n
He said the development drive will result in the birth of
\npeople's groupings in line with their professions and other
\nnetworking activities.<\/p>\n
\"The trend will become an important force,\" he said. (tis\/fai)<\/p>\n
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