ABRI and mass organizations

ABRI and mass organizations

The explanation by chief spokesman of the Armed Forces (ABRI)
Brig. Gen. Suwarno Adiwijoyo about the birth of several new mass
institutions bearing the names of former organizations, deserves
attention.

As reported by this newspaper, the information chief said ABRI
was greeting the birth of organizations with names such as New
PNI, New Parkindo and New Masyumi with an open mind.

"The important thing is that those new organizations are
useful and constitutional," Brig. Gen. Suwarno said.

We view the emergence of new mass organizations -- whether or
not they bear the names of formerly existing ones -- as an
indication of the need for new institutions to represent the
people's aspirations.

Some of their proponents have stated that the new
organizations which they helped to establish were intended to
push the nation towards progress. They have stated their
commitment to forge those organizations into vehicles that
increase the channels for the expression of the people's
aspirations in a constitutional manner.

It is worth noting that one of the criteria of a modern state
is the existence of a diversity of social and political
organizations. When this criteria is applied, the emergence of
new organizations constitutes a gain which could have a
beneficial effect on this nation's diversity.

Viewed in the context of domestic conditions, the great number
of new organizations that have appeared can be seen as a positive
expression of the freedom of assembly and association which is
guaranteed by the Constitution.

-- Jawa Pos, Surabaya