Great expectations
Two things need underlining in Golkar's political statement announced during the celebration of its 30th anniversary here on Thursday evening. First, the fact that the ruling political organization wants to play it clean. Second, the fact that the statement is loaded with words of sympathy towards the less- privileged groups of our society.
We are also told that the political group will continue to uphold the local system of musyawarah (deliberation leading to consensus) and that it will reject any recourse in solving the nation's problems that could lead to anarchy.
The ruling party strongly voiced its deep sympathy towards the less-privileged among us because of the problems they are facing, the forceful demolition of their houses to mention but one example.
Golkar has pledged to continue to oppose corruption and collusion between officials and business people, misuse of office and other acts which are against the people's interests. In other words, the political entity gives the impression that it is firmly on the road towards a creation of a clean government.
All this, of course, is not really new. We have heard it several times before from the party's chairman, Harmoko. But, of course, these matters remain highly relevant topics.
After every general election in the past, for example, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) appealed for a more democratic polling system. Claiming that "manipulation" has occurred in what officials like to refer to as that "feast of democracy", they have demanded the right to have a say in the general election committee.
By touching on that particular topic, the Golkar leaders seem to understand well that our society has changed significantly since the beginning of the New Order era in the 1960s. The success of our national development efforts over the past quarter of a century have enabled more people to enjoy a better education and better living conditions. However, it has also bred a new generation of Indonesians who are more outspoken and whose demands continue to rise. The demand for a clean, honest and democratic government is one of them.
Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. seemed to share this view when he warned the meeting of Golkar leaders on Tuesday that this country is in need of a healthy political climate, due to what he said were this country's increasingly heavy challenges. He called on Golkar to help establish the mechanism that is necessary to enable a healthy political dialog to take place in our society, without harming or upsetting any other party.
Whether or not Golkar's statement was meant to respond to the challenges posed by the other political parties, it is a noteworthy statement in any case. And we are convinced that every thinking Indonesian wishes it to be carried out with sincerity.
Considering the fact that Golkar is the ruling political organization, which dominates the House of Representatives (DPR) as well as the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), surely it is not too much to expect that it not merely express the hope that much-anticipated reform bills -- such as an anti-monopoly bill -- can be submitted to the legislature soon.
Rather, it could take the lead by sponsoring such a bill in the House of Representatives. If this can be done, Golkar will certainly be moving a giant step in the right direction.