Catholic seek president with clear programs

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The presidential election is still eight weeks away but the Bishops Council of Indonesia (KWI) has already issued criteria for presidential and vice presidential candidates that the public, especially Catholics, should choose.

In a pastoral appeal issued on Friday, Indonesian bishops called on Catholics across the country to choose candidates who have clear programs for the people, particularly in fighting poverty and creating employment.

"We have to choose leaders who are committed to reducing the number of poor people significantly, curbing public deception through good education, reducing the number of unemployed people by creating jobs," the bishops said in their public appeal titled "Your Choice is Very Decisive."

Catholics account for around 6.3 million people in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country of around 215 million people.

They also called on the public to vote for candidates who are determined to fight environmental destruction and who have the courage to battle corruption and punish corrupters.

The country will hold its first direct presidential election on July 5. Parties or coalitions garnering 3 percent of the seats in the House of Representatives or 5 percent of the vote in the April 5 legislative election may field candidates.

Of the presidential candidates, two are retired military officers -- Gen. (ret) Wiranto and Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and possibly three civilians -- the incumbent president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais and possibly a candidate supported by a coalition of Muslim-based parties.

The bishops said the upcoming presidential election should ensure democratization, and not the return of a tyrant.

"We need leaders who can free the people from the culture of state-sponsored violence by pitting one group against others of different backgrounds, stigmatizing, marginalizing and victimizing members of particular groups," the bishops said in the appeal signed by KWI chairman Julius Cardinal Darmaatmadja and KWI secretary-general Bishop Agung Ignatius Suharyo.

"We need leaders who have the courage to uphold justice without sacrificing truth, leaders who dare to enforce laws over and above political calculations for the sake of justice for all," they said.

They also reminded people that genuine security stemmed from concerted efforts by members of the public who oppose violence.

"Do not become trapped by our longed for sense of security alone. Quality security is one that we develop together as a civil society that opposes violence," the bishops said.

"People should learn to be wise in making decisions. It is very important that people make choices with their hearts," Cardinal Darmaatmadja said.