'Debate on others' ideology pointless'

'Debate on others' ideology pointless'

After more than three decades, former members of the banned
Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and their relatives have been
restored their right to vote and to run in the legislative
elections. The Jakarta Post spoke with a few residents about this
issue and on communism, which previous leaders had stigmatized as
a clear and present danger to the nation.

Advent Tambun, 29, teaches Spanish at a private firm in Radio
Dalam, South Jakarta, where he also lives:

In my opinion, the decision to reinstate the rights of former
PKI members is merely a political maneuver of a major party to
win public sympathy.

Recently, a group discussion I joined in talked about the
issue and the possible motives behind the reinstatement of rights
for former PKI members. We concluded that the move might be a
typical strategy of the ruling government to garner support ahead
of the general elections.

I never felt that the PKI was a potential threat to our
nation. I also believe that people of my generation do not care
much about the issue. To argue over someone's ideology is simply
pointless.

Dwi Wahyu Prianto, 28, is an editor at a publishing company in
Ciracas, East Jakarta. He lives in Pondok Gede, Bekasi:

I support the decision. Political rights is a basic human
right. Besides, to date, the party has not been proven guilty of
any wrongdoings, despite its being banned.

I also doubt that the reinstatement will give them a chance to
be in power as in the old days. They are too old and too weak to
overthrow the ruling power. Their activities in society are also
very limited. And bathed in such an intense limelight like they
are today, they will not do anything stupid that might give the
government any reason to crush them again.

--The Jakarta Post