PKB wants compromise over spat on communism<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The National Awakening Party (PKB) Faction in
\nthe People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is proposing a
\ncompromise in the heated debate over communism by allowing such
\nteachings in academic circles but not the growth of communist
\npolitical parties.<\/p>\n
If acceptable, the compromise could be a way out of the debate
\nwhich has pitted President Abdurrahman Wahid and several Islamic
\nleaning politicians.<\/p>\n
Faction chairman Yusuf Muhammad told journalists on Monday,
\nthat amendments should be made to allow communist and Marxist
\nteachings to survive based on the freedom of knowledge.<\/p>\n
However such freedom of knowledge should not foster
\nalternative teachings, which can endanger the existence of
\nPancasila and 1945 Constitution.<\/p>\n
He added that amendments should also contain an article which
\nrehabilitates those who have unfairly suffered due to the
\nimplementation of the Provisional People's Consultative Assembly
\nDecree No. 25\/1966.<\/p>\n
President Abdurrahman has suggested that the decree banning
\ncommunism be revoked, much to the chagrin of many critics.<\/p>\n
The decree was the legal basis to dissolve the Indonesian
\nCommunist Party (PKI) which was accused of masterminding the
\nabortive coup in 1965. The decree also prohibited all communist
\nteachings in the country.<\/p>\n
The President has maintained that educating people about the
\nthreat of communism, instead of conducting unlawful and inhumane
\npractices, is the best way to prevent the spread of communism.<\/p>\n
Instead of generalizing all communist activity and teachings,
\na revision has been proposed which specifically stipulates that
\norganizations affiliated with the PKI and other communist
\npolitical parties be considered illegal.(dja)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pkb-wants-compromise-over-spat-on-communism-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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