New alliances an outgrowth of injustices

New alliances an outgrowth of injustices

JAKARTA (JP): The emergence of new alliances and organizations
over the past year stems from perceived legal uncertainties and
injustices, Sofyan Wanandi said over the weekend.

Sofyan, a successful businessman known for his sharp political
analysis, said on Saturday that some of these alliances were
formed in hopes of obtaining a bigger share of the economic pie,
which they do not believe has been fairly divided.

"On this question we find bottlenecks," Sofyan said, pointing
to the failure of the legal system to ensure an equitable
distribution of justice.

Sofyan made the remarks during a get-together with colleagues
from his days as a student activist back in the mid-1960s.

The 1966 Communication and Study Forum (Fosko 66) at the Hotel
Regent was held to mark the 30th anniversary of the day when
President Sukarno signed the historic executive order that
yielded to some of the demands of the student leaders at the
time. The document, known as Supersemar, was signed on March 11,
1966, giving Gen. Soeharto, then very much in control of the
Army, the power to take measures to restore peace and order.

Soeharto used the document to outlaw the Indonesian Communist
Party and disband the cabinet, which were the two main demands of
the massive student movement at the time.

On Saturday, the student leaders, many now members of the
establishment, got together to ask themselves whether or not they
had accomplished the task set out when they took to the streets
30 years ago.

Sofyan, who is chairman of the Gemala business group, said the
current situation is being aggravated by the fact that there are
no formal avenues though which the people can voice their
grievances. Instead, they have resorted to forming alliances.

"They sense the injustice and gather to form their own
alliances to fight the inequities," Sofyan said.

Government and military officials have also taken notice of
the growing anxiety, he said.

"The election is still a year away but already they
(officials) are saying that the political climate is heating up,"
he said referring to the 1997 general election.

Sugeng Saryadi, chairman of the Kodel Group, also commented on
the deep divisions in society.

Opinions and proposals are judged on the basis of one's
political affiliations. If they lie with an opposing alliance,
those views won't be accepted, he said

Sofyan said the situation is further complicated under the
existing system.

The government is the single most powerful institution with no
equal to check its power. The House of Representatives is
powerless to challenge the executive branch and, as a result, the
people perceive a hegemony of power, Sofyan said.

The current climate gives way to a perception that the
economic benefits are only being reaped by those closest to the
power.

If the situation persists, the government will lose its
credibility, Sofyan said, "because people feel it is being used
for the benefit of a certain group."

"This is creating alliances because everyone is beginning to
look out for themselves, Sofyan said, adding that Indonesians are
good at conceiving of concepts but poorly equipped to implement
them.

The situation may imply that the country is falling behind in
its efforts to liberalize the economy and find its comparative
advantage in an increasingly competitive region.

"While other countries are forging ahead and bracing
themselves for the free trade era, we are still fighting among
ourselves," Sofyan remarked. (mds)

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