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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