Indonesia Democracy Institute launched

JAKARTA (JP): The New Indonesia Democracy Institute, established by noted figures from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), was launched on Monday as a body designed to heighten political awareness and education.

The institute's chairman Dimyati Hartono said that the organization was a vehicle to help improve the ethics of Indonesian politicians.

"This is an open organization. Anyone from any political party can join because we are not affiliated with any party and will never change into a political party," Dimyati said in his opening speech.

Dimyati, who was former PDI Perjuangan's faction chief in the House of Representatives, further said the political situation in the country has become worse and more unhealthy due to the presence of "instant" politicians who lack basic political ethics.

"From recent discussions with fellow legislators, we decided that we need this kind of institute to improve our political life in the future," he said.

He noted that legislators could possibly be among the first to join the institute's educational programs.

The institute is the second grouping established by figures from PDI Perjuangan. Last month a social organization called the Indonesian Axis was launched and spearheaded by Eros Djarot and Haryanto Taslam. (dja)