Doubts linger about prospects of new Masyumi

Doubts linger about prospects of new Masyumi

JAKARTA (JP): Skepticism hangs over the future of the newly
formed Masyumi organization as more analysts expressed doubt
yesterday and spurned its intentions to become a political party.

Political analyst Riswandha Imawan said he doubted that the
new Masyumi can become a political party.

"If the aim of the new Masyumi is to become a political party,
then personally I am pessimistic that it can be achieved," the
University of Gadjah Mada lecturer said in Yogyakarta.

The use of the acronym Masyumi itself has sent confusing
signals, he said.

The newly established organization, Majelis Syarikat Ummat
Muslimin Indonesia, has adopted the acronym "Masyumi" formerly
used by Majelis Syuro Muslimin Indonesia, which was outlawed in
1960 because of its association with an armed rebellion.

Riswandha pointed out that the old Masyumi was viewed as
identical to the Moslem cause, while the new organization claims
to encompass all elements of society, including non-Moslems.

He surmised that this could be an exercise in either combining
Islamic and nationalistic concepts, or merely an attempt at
hanging on the coattails of the Masyumi legacy.

Former legislator Ridwan Saidi announced the establishment of
a "new" Masyumi on Friday with the ultimate aim of turning it
into a political party.

The news of the new organization has conjured up a great deal
of criticism particularly because it has taken on the acronym
used by the now defunct party. The surviving members of the "old"
Masyumi have not extended their support.

Also in Yogyakarta, historian Djoko Surjo took a more
contemplative approach, pointing out that the birth of this new
group reflects the prevailing perplexity of people towards the
political process in Indonesia.

He said such organizations grew out of the uncertainty of the
future, particularly as the country prepares for a general
election in 1997. "Such a thing would not happen in a developed
country because there the political future is more certain,"
Djoko said.

Djoko argued that the establishment of the new Masyumi shows
the apparent inability of the current political parties to
respond to the people's aspirations.

In Jakarta, the head of the Muhammadiyah Moslem organization,
Amien Rais, said he did not support the new organization and
would not recommend anyone joining it.

"As chairman of Muhammadiyah I would not recommend or suggest
that Muhammadiyah members throughout the country join," said
Amien, of the organization's 27-million following.

The new Masyumi is not a revision of the old Masyumi which in
the 1950s boasted the country's largest following, he said.

Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M., in his first public
comment on the new Masyumi on Monday, pointed out that a 1985 law
recognizes only three political parties in Indonesia.

The home ministry's spokesperson, H.S.A. Yusacc, said the
concerns expressed about the new organization's name will be
discussed when the founders of the new Masyumi register the
organization with the ministry.

"The name and other matters will definitely be discussed
during the consultation prior to registration," Yusacc said.

Separately, the new Masyumi's central presidium secretary,
Agus Miftach, issued a statement yesterday saying that the
organization had won the support of former religious affairs
minister Alamsyah Ratuperwiranegara.

"Alamsyah hopes that the new Masyumi can maintain good
relations with ABRI (the Armed Forces) and can justify the
existence of the organization to the minister of home affairs,"
Agus Miftach announced.

He said further that Alamsyah had congratulated the presidium
on the formation of the new organization and hoped that it can
maintain the body and take it in a positive and responsible
direction. (har/mds)

Editorial -- Page 4