Expert applauds new sociopolitical alliances' motives
Expert applauds new sociopolitical alliances' motives
SEMARANG (JP): The emergence of new sociopolitical alliances
in Indonesia is a healthy sign of a growing democracy and the
military should have no fear about the impact on stability, a
political scholar says.
This is a normal trend which can contribute to the on-going
democratization process and foster a more balanced political
climate, Nurdien HK of the University of Diponegoro told The
Jakarta Post.
"I am quite sure this phenomenon will continue since it
represents a positive manifestation of the competition between
various sociopolitical forces in a society with democratic
aspirations," Nurdien said.
He was commenting on a statement by Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief
of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid expressing
concern at the emergence of new organizations, each one with
political motives which could undermine the current political
stability.
Syarwan did not refer to any particular organization but said
some were established by people opposed to the New Order
administration and others by antiestablishment people.
Syarwan said the advent of these alliances come as the
political climate in Indonesia heats up in the run-up to next
year's general election.
Nurdien said such fears were groundless and that these
alliances are an outgrowth of increasing democratization and
openness which results in a more critical society.
Some of these new groups emerged with the intention of
redressing the current political imbalance caused by Golkar, the
political group, and the military, he said.
In such an environment, the United Development Party and the
Indonesian Democratic Party are sidelined, he said.
"What's clear is Golkar has become the favorite son of the
government compared to the other political groups such as PPP and
PDI," Nurdien said.
Nurdien said it is ABRI's duty to help bridge the imbalance.
The emergence of these new alliances should also force ABRI to
ponder its own political role, he said.
Soehardjo S.S, another University of Diponegoro staff
lecturer, said ABRI must not side with one political group alone.
ABRI must be close to the people and not merely implement the
orders of the ruling power. It must absorb all the aspirations of
the people, said the law professor.
"Remember ABRI belongs to the people, not to just one group or
one particular interest," he told the Post.
Asked to comment on Syarwan's fears that the new alliances
have ulterior motives and intend to disrupt the nation's
stability, Nurdien dismissed it, saying that ABRI's mere presence
was a deterrent in itself.
"They would not dare do such a thing since there is a feared
restraint in Indonesia which is ABRI. If ABRI really has proof
that these new alliances intend to rip apart the nation's unity
it could always act swiftly," Nurdien said.
He underlined the right of groups and individuals to form such
alliances as long as they do not undermine state unity and
stability.
Overall, Nurdien said, the growth of these alliances should be
seen as a sign of success in the government's program of
political socialization.
"We should consider ourselves lucky that our society is now
more critical," he remarked. (har/mds)