ABRI asks NGOs to act as govt partners

JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces Sociopolitical Affairs Chief Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid asked non-governmental organizations (NGOs) yesterday to act as the government's partner in development.

Syarwan said in the keynote speech at a seminar on NGOs and national development, read by his assistant Maj. Gen. Budi Harsono, that NGOs, due to their commitment to the weak, are expected to facilitate government development programs.

"NGOs can help less-developed people specify their needs, realize initiatives and search for facilities and financial resources. In that sense, NGOs should serve as the government's partner," Syarwan said.

But the general admitted that the economy still has structural problems which create a socioeconomic disparity. "We will continue to give the wealthy chances to grow while at the same time empowering less prosperous people," he said.

He suggested NGOs train small-scale entrepreneurs and activists of cooperatives to improve their business skills and serve as mediators vis-a-vis the government and other financial aid sources.

"NGOs can also initiate meetings between small businesses and their larger counterparts to develop greater cooperation."

Syarwan's suggestion appears to be an attempt to improve the troubled relationship between the government and NGOs. Their long-time quarrel peaked when the government branded 32 NGOs problematic last November.

However, Budi said that NGOs which take a critical stance against the government make up no less than two percent of the 8,000 registered NGOs.

"The media have given too much coverage to critical NGOs and failed to highlight the good ones," Budi told reporters after the seminar.

He refused to disclose what action the government would take against the problematic NGOs, saying that it was the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"The minister of home affairs, as the country's political patron, is responsible for regulating, developing, reprimanding and taking punitive measures against recalcitrant NGOs," Budi said.

NGOs are subject to a 1985 law on mass organizations although many of them defy the authority. The law also applies to social and political organizations. (amd)