Considering turning RI into federal state

Menuju Republik Indonesia Serikat (Toward Federal Republic of Indonesia); Y.B. Mangunwijaya; Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Jakarta, 1998; xiii + 265 pp

JAKARTA (JP): For 32 years, Soeharto with his New Order regime successfully sanctified the unity of Indonesia, the third tenet in the state ideology Pancasila. To question it was taboo. Persatuan dan Kesatuan (Unity and Integrity) became a very popular slogan, which was chanted in public to show people's loyalty to the New Order regime.

That slogan is still firmly maintained by many, despite the continuing riots, robberies, and separatist activities, which all indicate the unity of Indonesia is in dire threat.

Discussions of the possibility of turning Indonesia into a federal state confront that slogan. It is, therefore, haram, or forbidden to talk about. Few, even now, mention it.

Y.B. Mangunwijaya, however, boldly discussed the topic long ago when Soeharto was still in his throne. In this book, a compilation of articles appearing mainly in Kompas daily from 1995 to 1998, he affirms his theory about the urgency of building the federal republic of Indonesia.

Perhaps it is just a dream. But soon after Soeharto stepped down last May, this idea received support from many intellectuals. One of them is Amien Rais, the leader of the National Mandate Party. Initially, Amien included it as a major part of his party's policy, but after strong criticism, he put it off as a long-term goal.

The idea of a federal state first came from Mohammad Hatta, who proclaimed independence with Sukarno. Hatta mentioned it in a speech published in Daulat Rakyat, in which he said that the future Indonesian state, be it unitary or federal, was "not absolute."

The option should be made based on the prevailing situation, Hatta said, saying the motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika or "Unity in Diversity" should be maintained.

The main reason for turning Indonesia into a federal state, according to Mangunwijaya, is the vastness of the country, whose population is expected to grow to 250 million in the 21st century. Besides, Indonesia has more than 13,000 islands and many diverse cultures.

It is certainly not effective to bind this big country with the restrictive unitary state system. A federal state system is more appropriate. Mangunwijaya refers to other big countries such as the U.S., Germany and India, which also use the federal system.

Many countries which now prosper are those with small populations, such as Malaysia (14 million), the Netherlands (5 million) and Switzerland (6.5 million).

Moreover, the unitary state system tends to be authoritarian and suppress pluralism. China is another example.

Mangunwijaya is optimistic that a federal Indonesia would motivate Indonesian people to participate in building their country. Federalism, where each state is autonomous, brings with it the hope of greater social justice.

The system maintains diversity, which is a special characteristic of Indonesia. Therefore, the national motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) will be retained.

If Indonesia does become a federal state, certain affairs will still be handled by the central government, such as foreign affairs and defense. Indonesia would have one external affairs policy, but each state would be responsible for its own affairs.

Mangunwijaya suggests that preparations for federation should begin now, so the scheme could be implemented by the year 2045, when Indonesia celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Addressing the reform drive, Mangunwijaya says that the first thing on the agenda is to revise the 1945 Constitution. He refers to Sukarno's statement that the constitution would be subject to amendments according to changing conditions. Indonesia should thus improve on its constitution which was made in revolutionary times.

Mangunwijaya believes the constitution should no longer be considered sacred, and people should be free to discuss changes.

He describes the constitution as too vague and ambiguous, and as a result susceptible to manipulation by authoritarian regimes. He says it also provides poor protection of human rights.

The author also discusses a wide range of current issues, from the ongoing reforms to ABRI's controversial dual role in defense and politics.

This book will light the spirit of reform for those concerned with real change in Indonesia.

-- Agus Tridiatno

The reviewer is a lecturer at the University of Atma Jaya, Yogyakarta.