Come together

Come together

From Bisnis Indonesia

It is a fact that people hope the June 1999 general election will be democratic and reflect the people's aspirations. In order not to be trapped in the status quo and to make reform a reality, some parties are voicing the need for a coalition to oppose Golkar, the party which dominates the bureaucracy.

Many scholars have tried to draw a political map based merely on mathematical calculations. However, I wonder whether the leaders of political parties (other than Golkar) actually realize the prevailing situation. I strongly believe that a coalition of parties (such as the National Mandate Party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and the National Awakening Party) is necessary. These three political parties, which have similar views, would be better off becoming a coalition party, possibly under the banner of the National Mandate Democratic Party, led by a presidium of members taken from the three parties.

The coalition hopefully would be able to eradicate corruption, collusion and nepotism and be able to find a solution to the economic crisis and the various social problems.

SUSANTO JOSEPH

Jakarta