Mar'ie warns of demand for accountability
Mar'ie warns of demand for accountability
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad has
predicted the burgeoning middle class in Indonesia will soon be
demanding more public accountability, transparency and good
governance.
Mar'ie took off his official cap as the state's chief
treasurer when he rejoined his alma matter, the Association of
Indonesian Moslem Students (HMI), at its 49th anniversary in
Jakarta on Monday night, and spoke of politics in Indonesia.
He said that these demands from the Indonesian middle class
will in turn contribute to the on-going social transformation
currently sweeping the country.
Through their criticism, and more liberal and vocal attitudes,
the middle class will give a new look to Indonesia's
transformation process to become an industrialized society, he
said in his paper entitled "HMI, Changes and Globalization."
"As a member of the global community, Indonesia cannot avoid
the changes and realities that are taking place in the
world...Our society is one which is becoming more industrialized,
but at the same time is trying to catch up with global
advancements in science and technology," Mar'ie said.
During this transition and the process of seeking an identity,
society will become vulnerable to ideas and aspirations
traditionally alien to Indonesia, he said. "But they should all
be based on (the state ideology) Pancasila and the 1945
Constitution... and must not cause social upheavals," he said.
He also warned that those in power must be prepared to face
criticism.
To prepare for such an era, according to Mar'ie, Indonesia
will need leaders with vision, something the country had plenty
of when it first declared its independence in 1945 but are now
proving hard to find.
He also warned that among the critical members of society,
there are bound to be some who are "anti-establishment".
"These people consider every establishment a rigid
institution, which hampers creativity and activities," he said,
adding that these people should be closely watched.
Monday night's occasion was attended by some familiar figures
who were associated with HMI in the past. They include State
Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung, the chief of the
National Logistics Agency Beddu Amang, the chairman of the United
Development Party Ismail Hasan Metareum, and Moslem scholar Adi
Sasono. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman as the
patron of all youth organization was also there.
HMI has provided a springboard for many present day political
leaders in the country. Its role has waned in recent years
though, caused by government restrictions on politicking on
campuses, and resulting in people finding outlets in non-
governmental organizations to channel their aspirations.
HMI Chairman Taufiq Hidayat said in his speech that HMI will
continue to push for democracy.
"Political justice can only be achieved if the political
system gives enough room for the people to become political
players," he said.
This means people should be given a chance to participate in
the decision-making process of public-related matters, he said.
Political democracy involves more than the establishment of
democratic institutions, such as political parties and
representative bodies, and neither can it be demonstrated merely
through an election.
"(Political democracy) requires participation, emancipation
and equal treatment. This can be achieved through autonomous,
independent parties which take part in...just and honest
elections," Taufiq said. (pwn)