Listening to new voices

Listening to new voices

Indonesia's current economic progress has undeniably spurred rising demands for improvement in other social domains. This is nothing new. History tells us that such trends have become needs in other developing countries.

Therefore, the emergence of new mass organizations focusing on improving things should be viewed as just a matter of course, no matter how outspoken, or critical they may seem.

One such group, known as the National Brotherhood Foundation, did not hesitate to discuss sensitive issues as a manifestation of its social responsibility in Surabaya, Indonesian's second largest city, early this week.

During the meeting, the first since the organization was established last year, its leaders debated the nation's political system, the role of the Armed Forces (ABRI), the national leadership, the struggle for clean a government, the rule of law and human rights.

Judging from the topics discussed and the statement issued at the conclusion of its two-day meeting, the organization seems intent on transgressing taboos. This seems particularly true if we consider the current degree of political openness.

The organization, led by Bambang Triantoro, a retired three- star general, who once served as deputy army chief of staff and head of the Armed Forces Political Affairs Department, suggested a re-evaluation of the nation's entire political system. It also advised that the Armed Forces remain neutral in relation to the system.

The organization further criticized the government for the imbalance in the roles and power wielded by the presidency, the military and business circles as compared to those of the judiciary and legislative bodies, which seem to be growing steadily weaker.

In fact, there should be nothing startling about this outspokenness because civic rights encompass such actions.

Unlike the other groups which look at the current political situation with critical eyes, such as the Group of 50 and the Democratic Forum, the National Brotherhood Foundation seems to enjoy support from a larger segment of society, with members from various political persuasions, religions and age brackets. The foundation groups retired freedom fighters, veteran politicians and religious scholars.

Yet the organization's dauntless steps have astonished the nation, although many people seem to be beginning to understand that their actions are probably based on a sense of responsibility as members of society. The most surprising move of all may have been the sponsors's failure to ask for President Soeharto's blessing when they established the organization, a step unprecedented in the three-decade history of the New Order administration.

It is also interesting to note that the organizing committee of the Surabaya meeting decided that the show must go on even after the authorities refused last month to grant them a gathering permit under the antiquated law, which the government has since shown the wisdom to abolish. Neither did the organizers show any sign of discomfort at the absence of local authorities at the opening of their meeting.

The members of this group apparently have unshakable self- confidence because chairman Bambang said on Tuesday that he and his colleagues have good records, never having drawn the least bit of suspicion.

With its style and approach, this organization is clearly a product of social change brought about by the development policies of the past two decades. Since many of its leaders have served the nation well in the past, their current actions could well be regarded as a show of patriotism in a modern sense of the word.

Clearly, acting wisely and accepting such new mass organizations as unavoidable and positive realities would be most admirable and reasonable. After all, it is a fact that people of all generations are concerned about the future of this country and where it is being led. And there is no question that the National Brotherhood Foundation and other emerging groups could function as political think tanks alongside those already operating in the economic domain.