Ideas of federalism

Some weeks ago Amien Rais initiated an important debate on the need to consider adopting a federal system for Indonesia. Former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad also joined the federalist camp suggesting to President Habibie that the proposal be debated when the next People's Consultative Assembly meets in August. Contrary to these positions, Gen. Wiranto stated recently that federalism has no place in Indonesia and is therefore "out of the question". This is indeed a strong and strict rejection of the idea of a federalist state, which in my opinion was probably done too hastily. Is the general afraid that federalism might become a threat to the unity of Indonesia?

It seems that many prominent Indonesian politicians -- maybe General Wiranto as well -- are terrified by the horrible example of the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia which fell to pieces after their powerful central government systems ceased to exist. But these two countries cannot be used as proof that federalism necessarily might lead to disintegration. Despite their names they never were federalist states in reality but rather centrally ruled dictatorships.

Countries like the United States of America, Germany, Australia or India have federal systems of government and still maintain their nation's unity. Of course, these countries have the privilege to enjoy democratic political systems which form a strong foundation for national unity. Indonesia should use these countries as examples and make all efforts to build up democratic institutions as a basis for developing a federal system as well.

The persistent violence in Aceh, East Timor, Maluku and West Kalimantan's Sambas region, and the threatening dissatisfaction growing in Irian Jaya and Riau can never be stopped unless far- reaching autonomy and sufficient revenues are given to these troubled provinces. To solve the problems and prevent other provinces from developing separatist ideas, a fundamental solution should be sought as soon as possible. The solution can only be the formation of a federalist state. There will be no alternative, I'm afraid.

MRS. HILDE MAY

Jakarta