'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)