Considering turning RI into federal state

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.