Hopes for the legislature

We hope that the House of Representatives under the chairmanship of Harmoko will prove itself to be a real democratic institution capable of bringing about change and enlightenment.

So far, whether deliberately or not, it has tended to shackle itself by interpreting cases too narrowly. A bold legislature is viewed as destructive to the very foundations of this nation in growth and development.

In the five years that lie ahead, however, such narrow thinking must be abandoned. This nation needs courage and leadership to bring about change and enlightenment. The House of Representatives is one of the most reliable tools available toward that purpose.

We are aware of the fact that this most important assembly is filled with politicians -- people who tend to become entrapped in politicking rather than try to clear up problems.

Such traps should not lure this assembly into becoming a mere forum for debate, where the argument is sometimes more important than the existing facts.

We hope that under the chairmanship of Bung Harmoko, the House of Representatives can blossom into a strong and active assembly for promoting and bringing about change.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta