'Aufklarung' for new RI
'Aufklarung' for new RI
From Neraca
Changing a paradigm is not a simple matter. The pattern
adopted during 32 years of New Order rule may have turned into an
axiom, especially if a bad paradigm has been implanted coercively
by means of power in pursuit of goals devoid of morality.
To the Indonesian people, an electoral process is the only
process conforming to the logic of democracy. Some quarters have
tried to bring forth a national leader without an electoral
process, something which is against democracy. Everybody must be
alert over this possibility to ensure that authoritarianism will
not be revived in a new face in this country.
The June 7, 1999, general election is the hope of 200 million
Indonesians. New Order authoritarianism must never be given any
room in this country. It is now the time for all Indonesians to
hold their heads erect.
Differences are God's biggest bestowal on humans. Thanks to
differences, we reach our maturity and show tolerance to and love
others. Differences are not subversion but blessings.
Democracy emerging because of differences is something which
will never dim. Democracy has allowed room for sound competition.
The practice of self-awareness through symbols and myths must no
longer be adopted.
We must strive to make the general election an activity based
on a rational process. It must never be allowed to be a mere
emotional process. Every vote in an electoral process is
meaningful and significant in determining the course the nation
will take.
Therefore, it is now time to make a clean break with
"intransparency", a condition which has been prevailing all these
years. People must not remain in the prison of the political
elite. It is the people, not the political elite, that hold the
sovereignty.
The people have the right to determine their own stance and
their own leader. Therefore, the people have the right to be
informed of the vision and work program of their future leaders.
It is the duty of the future leaders to hold dialogs with the
people before they sit in the seat of power.
On the basis of this thought, we, the Committee for Debates
involving Candidates for Indonesia's President, herewith invite
all candidates for the next Indonesian presidency to be present
in our program called Public Debates of Candidates for
Indonesia's President.
Don't belittle the people by saying that they are not ready
for such public debates. Belittling the people means denying the
sociohistorical reality of the Indonesian nation.
The period after the collapse of Soeharto's regime is the
Aufklarung for the renaissance (rebirth) of the Indonesian
nation. May God pick for the Indonesian people a national leader
with a pure heart and an elegant soul, a statesman well-versed in
knowledge and science.
SALEMBA FORUM
University of Indonesia
Depok