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)