Masyumi pushes for reforms
Masyumi pushes for reforms
JAKARTA (JP): Masyumi, a newly formed Moslem-based
organization, vowed yesterday to push forth its demands for
political reforms.
Masyumi spokesman Agus Miftach said that the organization,
founded last November, is determined to seek revision of the laws
governing democratic development of political parties.
"We want the freedom to establish political parties," Agus
said when briefing journalists on the results of a meeting of
Masyumi's top leaders on Wednesday.
Under a 1985 law, Indonesia limits the number of political
organizations allowed to contest the general elections to three:
the dominant Golkar, the United Development Party (PPP) and the
Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).
The government argues that a multiparty system, as was in
effect before 1972 had wrought political chaos, threatening the
unity of the nation, painstakingly built for decades.
Masyumi is a remake of a once strong political organization
under the same name, banned by the government in 1960 because
many of its leaders were closely associated with armed rebellions
in Sumatra and Sulawesi. The new Masyumi stands for Majelis
Syarikat Ummat Muslimin Indonesia while the old Masyumi stood for
Majelis Syuro Muslimin Indonesia.
Agus said that, after 30 years in power, President Soeharto's
administration needs to adjust to a political system in line with
the growing demand by the people for change.
Masyumi pledged to build an economic system that would ensure
just and equitable distribution of development gains.
"Masyumi is going to fight for reforms in the monetary, fiscal
and real economic sectors to empower the people of the lower and
middle classes," Agus said.
Monopoly, oligopoly and corruption must be uprooted by all
means because they hamper Indonesia's determination to create a
just and prosperous society, he added.
"All business policies should aim at strengthening the
people's economic capability so that eventually Indonesia will be
able to enter the global free market era," he said.
Agus said Masyumi, which is headed by senior politician Ridwan
Saidi, is poised to draft its first annual working programs.
(pan)