Catholic seek president with clear programs
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.