Democratization process must never stop: Gus Dur

JAKARTA (JP): Moslem leader Abdurrahman Wahid has reminded the nation that democratization is an ongoing process which must never stop. Once it falters, he said, democratization becomes "totalitarian".

Speaking at a gathering that was originally meant to be a repeat of a renowned meeting of four reform figures -- between Abdurrahman Wahid, Megawati Soekarnoputri, Amien Rais and Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X in November -- Abdurrahman pointed out that his meeting with, among others, Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto, was an effort to perpetuate the process.

The meeting on Sunday night was not attended by the three other reform figures but became lively with the presence of student activists and Armed Forces (ABRI) legislator Hari Sabarno, head of the Supreme Advisory Council A.A. Baramuli, reform figure Sri Edi Swasono, scholars Mudji Sutrisno and Franz Magnis Suseno and poet W.S. Rendra.

Amien's flight was delayed from North Sumatra's capital, Medan, but there was no word as to why Megawati -- popular leader of a faction of the splintered Indonesian Democratic Party -- or Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, were absent.

Abdurrahman, who is fondly known as Gus Dur, pointed out that both democratic institutions and processes were needed. Without one or the other, "democracy will become a mere ornament, the way it is in Indonesia."

"This is what happens to Indonesia. We have a Supreme Court, which is not functioning, we have the Supreme Advisory Council, which is not functioning," he said.

"What's disturbing my mind the most is the absence of a tradition of democracy. There's not yet equal rights for every citizen. There's not yet a just government," he said.

Abdurrahman proposed a national dialog earlier this month and a national reconciliation in order to stave off deterioration in Indonesia's social, economic and political situation. His motion received great support but was rejected by President B.J. Habibie.

Abdurrahman then met with Wiranto, and both agreed that a national dialog did not need to be formalized. Abdurrahman went on to meet with Habibie on Saturday, which both believed was part of the ongoing process to establish national dialog.

Also at last night's gathering, Abdurrahman revealed that during his meeting with Wiranto, he spoke about the Armed Forces plan to establish a civilian militia called Rakyat Terlatih (trained civilians), also known as Ratih.

"I support the plan... I asked Wiranto who will lead it? If he leads it, if he does the recruiting and other things, I can sleep with peace of mind. Otherwise, I would be obligated to reject the plan as strongly as I could. Praise be to Allah, he said he would lead it," Abdurrahman said.

Abdurrahman also called for just treatment for former president Soeharto. "Some demonstrators demanded that Pak Harto be dragged to court. As a Javanese and an elder person, I cannot imagine this... please don't say it, I can't imagine myself being dragged," he said.

"I am not defending him but let's do everything in accordance with the law," he said. (edt/swe)