Gus Dur insists on lifting communism ban

Gus Dur insists on lifting communism ban

NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid is staking
his reputation in proposing the revocation of a 34-year-old
decree banning communism, saying he is willing to be branded a
traitor.

"I don't care if people consider me a traitor, go ahead.
What's clear is that I will propose the revocation of the decree
at the next general session of the MPR in August," the President
said here on Friday, referring to the People's Consultative
Assembly.

Abdurrahman insisted Provisional People's Consultative
Assembly Decree No. 25/1966 violates the preamble to the 1945
Constitution.

"That decree prohibits people from expressing their thoughts
on communist teachings, both Marxism and Leninism, while we know
the 1945 Constitution guarantees people the right to express
their thoughts and views," Abdurrahman said.

"As the President, I swore to uphold the Constitution. The
section that must be upheld at all cost is its preamble, not its
articles."

Gus Dur, as the President is known, renewed his proposal
before participants of a congress of the Rotary International
D3400 here and reiterated it later in the day after praying at An
Nur Mosque.

Accompanying the President during his one-day visit to Bali
were First Lady Sinta Nuriyah, his daughter Lisa Halim, State
Minister of Social Affairs Anak Agung Gde Agung and Bali Governor
Dewa Made Beratha.

Abdurrahman maintained, however, his idea remained a proposal
that required the approval of the 700-member Assembly, which will
convene for its annual general session in August.

He said it was completely up to the Assembly to decide whether
to revoke the ban. "It's allowable for anybody to request (that
the ban be lifted). I am just asking, but the anger is explosive.
They call me a traitor and so on."

He said he would deliver a thorough explanation of his
proposal during the commemoration of National Awakening Day on
May 20.

Abdurrahman said if the people wanted to develop a clean
government, freedom of expression and thought must be assured.
"Even the most dangerous thoughts, because it is guaranteed by
the Constitution."

Citing an example, he said the separatist Free Papua Movement
had asked permission to hold a congress in Irian Jaya. "I told
them if you just want to make speeches then go ahead, no
problem," the President said, adding that this was permissible as
long as it did not create unrest.

The decree prohibiting communism was passed following the 1965
abortive coup blamed on the now banned Indonesian Communist Party
(PKI).

Abdurrahman said earlier during a consultative meeting with
the House of Representatives that he agreed with the banning of
PKI, but challenged the ban on communism on the grounds that it
violated human rights and the principles of democracy.

Abdurrahman's proposal to revoke the ban has sparked massive
protests, particularly by Muslim groups. Several politicians went
as far as to request the Assembly call a special session to oust
Abdurrahman over his proposal. (zen/jun)