More support for reform
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.