Problematic NGOs face strong action<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The government has promised to take strong
\naction against at least 31 non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
\nidentified as problematic.<\/p>\n
Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security
\nSoesilo Soedarman told journalists yesterday that the problematic
\norganizations were identified after the government had taken an
\ninventory of the estimated 8,000 NGOs operating in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Soesilo refused to reveal the names of the targeted NGOs.<\/p>\n
\"Of the 8,000 NGOs there are a few which are problematic, not
\nmany, only about 31 or 32,\" he said after a ministerial meeting
\non political affairs and security.<\/p>\n
Present at the meeting were Minister of Home Affairs Moch.
\nYogie SM, Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat,
\nMinister of Justice Oetojo Oesman, Minister of Information
\nHarmoko and Attorney General Singgih.<\/p>\n
The criteria used to define \"problematic\" NGOs identified
\nthose that did not advocate the Pancasila state ideology and
\nthose with illegal activities, Soesilo said.<\/p>\n
\"Action will be taken, just wait for it,\" he said, but refused
\nto state the nature of the promised action.<\/p>\n
Government officials in the past few months have uttered
\ngeneral warnings directed toward recalcitrant NGOs. These threats
\nhave come amidst a widening crackdown on political activists
\nsuspected of being involved in the July 27 riots in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
The government has been drafting regulations for NGO
\nactivities. NGOs have resisted, saying that if they must be
\nregulated, it must be by legislation, and not by presidential or
\nministerial decree.<\/p>\n
Soesilo would not budge when pressed to reveal the names of
\nthe problematic NGOs. He merely pointed to the unrecognized
\nDemocratic People's Party (PRD), currently accused of
\nmasterminding the July 27 riots, as an example.<\/p>\n
While the PRD has been banned and its leaders arrested, there
\nare still many affiliated organizations, he said.<\/p>\n
\"They should check their consciences and ask themselves what
\nthey have been doing so far,\" Soesilo replied when journalists
\nsaid that concealing names could be unnerving for legitimate
\nNGOs.<\/p>\n
No names were dropped, but several hints were. Problematic
\nNGOs launched activities beyond the realm of their original
\nconcerns, he said.<\/p>\n
One environmental NGO had concerned itself not with
\nenvironmental issues but with political ones, he said.<\/p>\n
Despite the likelihood of action against those NGOs legitimate
\nNGOs were still needed, Soesilo said.<\/p>\n
\"NGOs are (the government) partners in the development of the
\nnation,\" he asserted.<\/p>\n
Soesilo also said the meeting commended the swift and wise
\naction taken by authorities to curb the religious riots which
\nbroke out in Situbondo, East Java, on Oct. 10.<\/p>\n
Soesilo congratulated the provincial government, the Brawijaya
\nregional military command and religious and community leaders for
\ntheir response to the riots in which several churches burned and
\nfive people were killed.<\/p>\n
Everyone should learn from this tragic event and prevent it
\nfrom happening again, he said.<\/p>\n
Soesilo, on behalf of the other ministers, expressed his deep
\nconcern about the continuing destruction of coral reefs and their
\nmarine habitats. (mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/problematic-ngos-face-strong-action-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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