Government warned of dangers of drugs, unemployment

Government warned of dangers of drugs, unemployment

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will remain in a "stateless-like
condition" due to stagnant reforms in all fields, political
observers and activists say.

John N. Palingi, a socioeconomic observer, expressed deep
concern over complicated issues that could threaten national
unity unless they are solved properly.

He said the problem was exacerbated further by increasing drug
addiction among the younger generation and high unemployment,
which were two crucial problems that had yet to get serious
attention from the government.

"The unemployment rate reaching around 38 million is a
difficult problem to solve amid the economic crisis, while it has
had a serious economic impact on the jobless and their families.

"The nation could also face a lost generation in the future
because of the prevalent consumption of illegal drugs among
youths and students," he said at a seminar on nationalism
organized by the Indonesian Nationalist Students Movement (GMNI)
here on Saturday.

John said the government's credibility and legitimacy was also
in question following its failure to enforce the law and maintain
security and order.

"(Meanwhile) President Abdurrahman Wahid's government is
facing a difficult test with many scandals, and is also
challenged by the return of supporters of the New Order regime,"
he said.

On the economic side, the government's IMF-sponsored economic
programs have yet to bear fruit while Indonesia's foreign debt
has reached Rp 1,620 trillion, he added.

"People's purchasing power will remain weak while the
unemployment problem will deteriorate if the government goes
ahead with its plan to increase fuel prices next month," he
warned.

Rocky Gerung, a political observer from the University of
Indonesia, said the stateless-like condition had a lot to do with
the nation's failure to introduce reform in all fields.

"So far, the military has yet to retreat from the political
arena and it still plays a dominant role in local politics with
the presence of regional military commands and districts in
provinces and of soldiers in rural areas," he said.

He said civilian supremacy should be upheld while the military
should return into its defense function and the National Police
should be encouraged to handle security affairs.

He said civilians, especially students and the middle class,
had yet to become a force which could take over power from the
military.

Marcus Mali, a legislator from the National Justice and Unity
faction (FKKI) at the House of Representatives, called on
proreform supporters to strengthen their ranks and directly face
those who would advocate the return of the New Order regime.

"The people should support the government and law enforcers to
try former president Soeharto and his cronies," he said.

Amiruddin, an activist from the Institute for Policy Research
and Advocacy (ELSAM), emphasized the importance of promoting
strong nationalism among all components of the nation to force
total reform in all fields.

"We must fight against xenophobia and chauvinistic nationalism
that could lead to authoritarianism. Security and order at home
must be restored, corruption must be fought and the law must be
respected," he said.

He added that economic development should be oriented to
empower small and medium-sized companies operating in rural areas
to help better people's welfare. (rms)