More support for reform

Support for the idea of total and peaceful political reform is pouring in from people of all ages and walks of life. These people's voices are being clearly heard above the boisterous mayhem and worsening economic crisis gripping the country. They speak for the nation in demanding total political reform because changes that include no less than a changing of the guard would fail to heal the country's wounds.

The latest support for total reform has come from various organizations and groups of respected citizens, including the newly established Council of People's Mandate (MAR), the spokesman of which is noted politician Amien Rais, and the National Committee for Reform (KNI-Reformasi) which is supported by professors of state universities throughout Indonesia.

Some retired senior military officers belonging to the generation of freedom fighters like President Soeharto, the influential Association of Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI), the 30- million-strong Nahdlatul Ulama Moslem organization and leaders of the Golkar-affiliated organization Kosgoro have also expressed their support for the idea, which was first vigorously advocated by students across the country.

Some of these organizations have spoken bluntly, while others have used euphemisms in publicizing their positions. But their demands are the same: In order to overcome the current stormy crisis, this country badly needs a new government. Expressing such an opinion is a common thing in a democracy and we believe that they are fully aware of the rules of the democratic game.

Regardless of the manner in which each of these group's opinions have been forwarded, each has shown unusual courage while speaking on behalf of the people's aspirations. This new phenomenon is a harbinger of a new era for this nation.

Judging by their demands, we also note a great potential and appeal in their cause. The desirability of these organizations' goal of peaceful reform is such that it is almost certain to become reality. The reform movement's power also stems from the peaceful way its proponents have forwarded their ideas while also listening to the people's heartbeat over the deafening voice for change -- a connection which others seem to have failed to achieve.

This has been made possible because ordinary people have long been confused as to where to address their aspirations. They have found in the past that their official governmental representatives have not been sensitive enough to their plights -- as indicated by an increasing number of people who have lodged complaints to the National Commission on Human Rights. The fact that no faction within the People's Consultative Assembly was willing to voice the aspirations of the student movement during its meeting in March is the latest proof of this.

The newly established organizations carrying the torch for reform show no motive other than a sense of nationalism because they speak resolutely and responsibly for the nation's future, which now seems in jeopardy.

The fact that they have conveyed their messages in a peaceful manner should be understood as a sign of true wisdom.

The call for reform is now even supported by the ruling elite, some of whom had staunchly opposed the idea before. However, the difference between their interpretation of reform and the people's interpretation is so great that it seems impossible to bridge the two positions. But if all parties are able to equally display the wisdom needed and a willingness to sacrifice, the problem could be solved in the best possible manner.

A failure to this would only push our nation into greater mayhem.