Agum warns about political disturbances or disintegration

JAKARTA (JP): National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) Governor Let. Gen. Agum Gumelar says there is a possibility of political disturbances or national disintegration as a consequence of the emergence of numerous groups seeking to further their own interests.

Speaking at a discussion on Indonesia's new political format here on Friday, the chief of the military think tank said the nation was at a crossroads of whether to be a great nation or to remain a conflict-ridden one.

"Following the end of the 32-year New Order era, numerous political parties have emerged seeking to further their own interests, seeking political advantage from the reform movement," he said.

"A number of people are taking revenge against former president Soeharto, his family and cronies, while others are fighting for their own interests, so the mission of this campaign for reform has become unclear."

Political disorder or even national disintegration could occur if competition for group interest is allowed to continue, he said.

"But if all parties leave their own interests behind, stick to the 1945 Constitution and Pancasila state ideology and fight for the nation's objectives, Indonesia will become a great nation," he said.

He said the emergence of numerous parties fighting for conflicting interests would make the nation vulnerable to disintegration.

The discussion, attended by senior journalists, businesspeople and government officials and non-governmental organizations, was held in conjunction with the launching of weekly tabloid Perspektif.

He called on all parties to prioritize national interests.

He said the most urgent agenda, especially for the government, was to carry out "a reform of mentality".

"Groups should not (be preoccupied with) fear of losing their own interests and government officials should not fear losing their positions," he said. "What is important is how they can work together for the nation."

He called on the public to reflect on the way the two previous regimes ran the country.

The democratic political system developed by founding president Sukarno ended with the emergence of sectarian parties, including the now-banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) which failed in its campaign to change the state ideology, he said.

"Then Soeharto, who condemned Sukarno's leadership, tried to be loyal to the constitution and Pancasila ... but developed a political system which was against the principles of democracy," he said.

Asked for comment on President B.J. Habibie's transitional government, he paused before replying: "Let me say a tahajud (midnight) prayer tonight before answering this question." (rms)