'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