Implementation of Constitution discussed

Implementation of Constitution discussed

JAKARTA (JP): Observers have bemoaned shortcomings in the implementation of the 1945 Constitution, including the concentration of capital in the hands of a privileged few.

Economist Dorodjatoen Koentjorojakti and legislator Sugeng Sarjadi discussed on Saturday the various changes Indonesia must handle before globalization as well as the threats and opportunities it may face and ways to deal with them.

Dorodjatoen argued that the role of the state is diminishing because of its shortcomings and will be supplanted by international watchdogs, such as the World Trade Organization.

Sugeng called on the ruling elite to return to the spirit of the constitution as a way to address the shortcomings.

Sugeng pointed out that the privileged middle class and those in decision making positions, including politicians, only look out for their own interests and neglect the poor.

He cited the accumulation of 60 percent of national capital in three cities and its control by only eight private and state- owned banks as proof of the neglect.

"We have been sacrificing public interest for our own interests," he said.

Dorodjatoen said the concentration of capital in the hands of a privileged few might represent a "rival power" to the government, and that it needs to be redressed in order for Indonesia to survive the onrush of change.

He reminded everybody that the government already has its hands full with pressures from various parties. "It (the government) is being watched by global organizations, squeezed from underneath by non-governmental organizations and from the side by regional groupings," he said.

"We're racing against time (to improve the conditions)," he said.

The discussion was organized by FOSKO 66, a loose organization of former student activists instrumental in toppling president Sukarno.

The dialog focused on the New Order administration's implementation of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. It stipulates that natural resources that involve the livelihood of many people should be managed by the state only. This article, for many people, clearly states that the country is opposed to private monopolies.

"Does this concentration of capital have anything to do with article 33 of the Constitution?" Sugeng asked, pointing out that the imbalance occurs in all sectors, from workers' wages to political power distribution.

"We have forgotten to embrace the interests of all segments of society," he said. "This wasn't our plan when we toppled the old regime."

Sugeng said it is time the existing supervision mechanism, including the House of Representatives and the three political parties, be fully employed to offset the imbalance.

Dorodjatoen said that world economics is at a crossroads, and the resulting change will need even greater managerial effort.

"With the failure of socialism and fascism, it'll be hard for us to embrace the rush of capitalism," he said. "Unless Indonesia takes care, it may have to face a morality and ethics crisis in its economy."

He said this is why national stability must not be disturbed by an economy based on "commercialism and materialism".

Unless preventive measures are taken, including by the House, Indonesia and other countries caught in the rapid changes may face disintegration, he warned.

"Those who feel they are left behind by the state will protest," Dorodjatoen said. He cited the recent bombing in Oklahoma, U.S. as proof of social disintegration in a capitalistic community.

"This should be a lesson for us, the community must be involved in economic development, and only then can disintegration be prevented," he said. (swe)