Dismiss those involved in KKN

Dismiss those involved in KKN

From Sinar Pagi

Before the dawn of the reform era, people opposing the government would be beaten, shot and incarcerated by the powers- that-be, such as AM Fatwa of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Sri Bintang Pamungkas of the Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI) and Budiman Sujatmiko of the Democratic People's Party (PRD). Meanwhile, discord was sown among members of the pro- Megawati faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), an act claiming a lot of victims.

In the 1997 general election the Functional Group (Golkar) won the election by collecting 70 percent of the votes and the validity of this victory was recognized by the United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) under Soerjadi's chairmanship. However, as the government in that period was considered as having been deeply involved in corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN), it collapsed in early 1998 because of the pressure from students and pro-reform activists.

Unfortunately, our hope to see the elimination of KKN in this reform era has yet to materialize. In the first and second semesters of the government under President Abdurrahman Wahid, these practices were still rife.

KKN has created an increasingly chaotic social and political situation amid the danger of disintegration now posing a threat to Indonesia. Aceh, Riau, Irian Jaya and perhaps other regions have and will demand their own freedom.

The government should have drawn up a special program to settle its foreign debts (mostly incurred during the New Order era) so that these debts would not be a burden for the Indonesian people.

Reality shows that socially and politically the Indonesian people are still in a dire situation because the political elite has failed to consistently implement the state philosophy, Pancasila, and the 1945 Constitution.

In the military sector, the law prohibits every member of the military from participating in political activities. The military must concentrate on its professionalism and must be led by someone really well-versed in military affairs.

The first step towards solving the crisis is to ensure that national discipline is properly enforced. In this regard, it is hoped that the entire Indonesian Military (TNI) will carry out its professional function and help the people to dismiss government people involved in KKN.

We love peace but love justice and truth above all else.

MUH. ARAS

Wajo, South Sulawesi