Islamic students association told to remain outspoken
SURABAYA (JP): The Association of Islamic Students (HMI) must maintain its critical attitude toward those in power, an activist said here yesterday.
Chairman of East Java's HMI branch, Muhammad Nabil, said the organization needed to stand up to the people in power who have a monopoly on how state ideology Pancasila should be translated into daily life. This monopoly harmed the democratization process, Nabil said.
He was speaking in advance of the 21st HMI congress which will be in Yogyakarta from Aug. 20 to Aug. 26.
The main agenda of the congress is to discuss two strategic problems, namely the evolving role of student movements in society, and "one group's monopoly on the interpretation of Pancasila".
HMI has not pointed the finger at anyone in particular, but critics have often complained that the government does all the interpretation on Pancasila, treats it as the gospel truth, and rejects other interpretations.
"The government's monopoly of interpretation (has led to) a narrowing... of people's freedom, and the power holders behave as if they are the sole legitimate executors of values contained in Pancasila," Nabil said.
HMI is the oldest and biggest student organization here. It was established in Yogyakarta in 1947.
At one stage of its history it was a strong sociopolitical force, and it helped topple the Old Order administration in the 1960s. Former HMI leaders are Lafran Pane, Mintaredja, Achmad Tirtosudiro and Deliar Noer.
For the past several years, however, HMI has been frequently criticized for allegedly cozying up to the power holders, and for becoming less critical on sociopolitical issues.
Nabil did not deny the organization was close to those in power, but said he hoped HMI would continue to be an Islamic social control organization.
"Islam upholds the principle of amar ma'ruf nahyi munkar (persuading people to do good and preventing them from infringements). HMI needs to remain critical on all social issues," he said.
He dismissed speculations that the organization tended to defend former members who were now in strategic bureaucratic positions.
"We exchange views with anyone, but HMI cannot be dictated to by anyone, not even by former members who are now in the administration," he said.
HMI has loosely allied itself with other social and youth organizations noted for criticizing the government in an alignment known as the "Cipayung Group". But the group is rumored to have been fractured following HMI's decision not to join the rest of the group's declaration on the bloody riot in Jakarta on July 27 last year.
"In general, HMI remains committed to the group. But in some cases, HMI has its own (line of thinking)," he said.
The congress will also elect a new chairman. Four names have been cited as likely replacements for the current HMI chairman, Taufik Hidayat.
They are current deputy chairmen Anas Urbaningrum, Umar Husein and Viva Yoga Maulad, and secretary-general Muzakir Ridha. (nur/swe)