Democracy, rights and environment

Democracy, rights and environment

From Media Indonesia

As Indonesians, we should be grateful to the former
authorities who drew up the state ideology, Pancasila. We should
not only learn its meaning by heart, but we should implement its
ideals. One of its principles is a "just and civilized humanity."

If we live by and practice Pancasila, human rights problems
would never have arisen in Indonesia. Indonesia could be a
pioneer and a model for other countries where human rights have
not been implemented yet.

Article 28 of 1945 Constitution mentions that citizens have
the right to unite and assemble, voice their opinions orally and
in writing. Democracy is reflected in its content.

In relation to economic matters, article 30 paragraph 3 of the
1945 Constitution says that land, water and other natural
resources of Indonesia are controlled by the state and for the
optimum benefit of the people.

How are Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution going to be
implemented? Leaders should give examples in everyday life. Take,
the law, for instance. Ours is a law-abiding country. The law
should, therefore, be respected by all Indonesians. It should be
the ultimate power in the country. People should fear the law,
and not fellow human beings.

F. PUDIYANTO SURADIBROTO

Jakarta