Petitioners establish new pro-democracy movement<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Another pro-democracy movement was established
\nyesterday bringing together more than 500 petitioners who are
\ncalling for sweeping political reforms in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The latest group, whose proponents say was formed by a number
\nof non-governmental organizations (NGOs), is called Aliansi
\nDemokrasi Rakyat (Alliance of People's Democracy), Aldera for
\nshort.<\/p>\n
The petitioners include students, workers, farmers,
\nprofessionals and activists from 15 towns in Indonesia, according
\nto Aldera secretary general Standarkiaa.<\/p>\n
The new group announced its founding during a press conference
\nyesterday held at a foodstall at the Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts
\nCenter in Central Jakarta.<\/p>\n
A number of ardent government critics were present at the
\nmodest ceremony, including Adnan Buyung Nasution, H.J.C. Princen,
\nChris Siner Key Timu, Rani Yunsih and Semsar Siahaan.<\/p>\n
"It's good to see the courage and will to struggle for
\ndemocracy amid intimidation, arrests and detentions (of those
\ntaking part in the struggle)," said Buyung. "We have a long way
\nto struggle for our democracy. Be prepared to be arrested and
\nsent to jail. That is the risk of the struggle," he added.<\/p>\n
Yunsih said the group should remain consistent and faithful to
\ntheir struggle. "Don't be like a mushroom in the rainy season,
\nwhich disappears when the rain stops," he said.<\/p>\n
The alliance is the latest in a string of pro-democracy
\nmovements established in the country in recent years. Virtually
\nall of them disappeared immediately after they were established.<\/p>\n
Some political commentators said many of these groups were
\nestablished at the spur of the moment and that their proponents
\nlacked the organizational skills necessary to maintain their
\nexistence and carry out their programs. (sim)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/petitioners-establish-new-pro-democracy-movement-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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