'Moral movements' lack political clout: Experts

'Moral movements' lack political clout: Experts

JAKARTA (JP): Political scientists maintain that the advent
of "moral movements" in the sociopolitical arena are unlikely to
have much impact as they lack the clout and bargaining power of
formalized political parties.

"Moral movements do not possess real political power until
they become political parties," said Arbi Sanit of the University
of Indonesia.

He said that moral movements might gain support for the
democratization campaign, but they would not be strong enough to
assure political change.

Public opinion is yet to be considered in politics. People
might protest but the government would not pay much attention to
it, said Sanit.

Moral movements could establish more power by organizing their
ability to garner people's support and develop into political
parties.

"They have to be consistent with their principles in order to
have real support from people," he said.

Another political observer, Fachry Ali, emphasized the need
for distinct ideas of various movements. He acknowledged that
some moral movements, while critical of the government, lacked
real action.

"The important thing is not their existence but their
effective real action," said Fachry.

In addition, Fachry pointed out that the idea for the
establishment of moral movements came mostly from the educated
elite whereas Indonesia needed more venues that represent all
elements in society.

At least three moral movements were declared this month. The
first was the National Front which stated outright it was serving
as an opposition group and that it would support all political
parties but Golkar. Many of the founders are retired generals and
former Golkar executives, including former chief of the Army's
Strategic Reserves Command Lt. Gen (ret) Kemal Idris.

This was followed soon by the establishment of the Movement
for Indonesian Justice and Unity (GKPB), coordinated by former
Cabinet minister Siswono Yudohusodo. Supported by former student
leaders and activists of the 1966 Generation -- who helped topple
then president Sukarno -- the GKPB declared itself at the outset
as a critical partner of President B.J. Habibie's administration.

The third was Civilians Working Group for Democracy which
declared its founding following a national dialog for democracy
on Aug. 17 to coincide with Independence Day.

Coordinator Ratna Sarumpaet said she and her colleagues had
been working to facilitate dialog among various pressure groups,
including political parties and non-governmental organizations,
when they stumbled upon the idea of establishing a working group
to guide the reform process.

Representatives from 167 NGOs attended the dialog which
resolved to campaign for six issues, including a reduction in the
prices of commodities, the removal of Habibie, the abolition of
the Armed Forces' dual function and the establishment of a
transitional government. (01)