Election watchdog

Anyone who dreams of a more democratic Indonesia should applaud the establishment of the Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) in Jakarta last week. The presence of the independent watchdog will of course not improve Indonesia's democracy overnight, but it proves that there is a strong and growing demand among the Indonesians, particularly the middle class, for more say in shaping the country's future.

Because elections are the only means for most Indonesians to participate politically, the people naturally expect an election to be free, honest and fair. It is well known that every election here, held every five years since 1971, has been marred with irregularities. Vote-rigging, coercion and other manipulations have been commonplace.

One reason blamed for the electoral shortcomings is the blurred distinction between the bureaucracy and the ruling Golkar faction. The bureaucracy, which controls the election mechanism, is practically the Golkar's main supporting pillar. It is therefore understandable that certain bureaucrats have tried very hard, and sometimes very disrespectfully, to ensure a Golkar victory. For decades, the minority United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) have cried foul over the irregularities. Their grievances have been ignored.

The establishment of the KIPP is therefore a fresh hope for the public. At last the voice of conscience has emerged and cried "enough is enough". The age of real democracy is coming, and consequently all will have to abide by its new values.

The KIPP's impressive lineup is filled with prominent public figures. Chaired by former Tempo newsweekly magazine editor Goenawan Mohamad, the list includes people like the respected Moslem scholar and Indonesian Moslem Intellectual Association executive member Nurcholish Madjid, former Jakarta Governor Ali Sadikin, noted lawyer Adnan Buyung Nasution, chairman of the Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union Mochtar Pakpahan, and the paranormal Permadi Satrio Wiwoho. The KIPP is made up of a coalition of people with different backgrounds who, at last, have found a common platform.

Yet, the most interesting aspect is how the government's response in the past week has changed from animosity to conciliation. When the plan to establish an independent poll watchdog began to surface a few weeks back, it was met with strong resistance from the government. Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat, for example, said that an independent electoral monitoring body was not needed.

Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung rejected the idea a few days later. "It is obviously unconstitutional," he was quoted as saying. Then Golkar chairman Harmoko joined the chorus by announcing that Golkar rejected the establishment of such a watchdog because "it would be against the 1945 Constitution and a 1985 general election law."

Then, surprisingly, ABRI Chief of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid softened the government's tone the other day when he stated that he saw the establishment of a watchdog as "a positive intention from members of the public who want to make the election smooth and better, whatever the organization is called."

Judging from his statement, the KIPP could get a chance to survive. The change in ABRI's stance might have been caused by an updated assessment by ABRI leaders of the real nature of the KIPP, which will only monitor the election and will not involve itself in the election mechanism as many officials have assumed. The military's new stance may also be an effort by ABRI to pacify the public's confusion and anger over Army Chief Gen. Hartono's remark last week that all ABRI members are Golkar cadres.

Whatever the reason, the military's change of heart is a positive. An independent watchdog isn't something to be treated as an enemy. It is just a moral force. Common sense, however, dictates that Golkar will dominate for some time to come, and that, at the moment, a single majority system led by Golkar is the best option for Indonesia.

But. It would be great to see Golkar win an election secara ksatria bukan raksasa (in a respectful and lawful manner), to borrow the words of former Golkar chairman Wahono. It would be good for democracy in Indonesia, and good for our conscience.