Indonesia Democracy Institute launched

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)