New axis a force to be reckoned with: Observers
New axis a force to be reckoned with: Observers
YOGYAKARTA (JP): Political observers predicted the newly born
"Indonesian Axis" could become a dominant political force in the
future as long it constrains itself and avoids direct
confrontation with the political elite until after the next
general election.
Political observer Cornelis Lay said here on Monday that the
grouping's executives should not be tempted to instantly seek
political gains.
Instead he urged them to maintain the uniqueness of the new
organization.
The Indonesian Axis was officially launched Monday night in
Jakarta.
It features figures predominantly from the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and from several
other political parties and organizations.
A PDI Perjuangan member Eros Djarot, who was elected chairman
of the axis, maintains that the grouping aims to help empower the
general public and was not formed as a splinter party or out of
disappointment at the fact that they may be sidelined from their
parties.
Other notable PDI Perjuangan members in the organization are
Zulvan Lidan, Haryanto Taslam, Muchtar Buchori, and Laksamana
Sukardi.
PDI Perjuangan executives have been nonplus to the
organization saying they should work complementary to each other.
Since the axis does not yet have a strong mass support base,
Cornelis said Monday it would be a setback if the grouping
immediately engages in practical politics where public discourse
is used as a tool for politicians to attack each other.
"(By getting into politics now) The Indonesian Axis may be
engaged in an adverse atmosphere, where public discourse is used
by politicians to undermine their political rivals," the Gadjah
Mada University political scientist told The Jakarta Post.
He further said the unavoidable fact that the grouping was
established by figures from assorted political backgrounds, who
are disappointed with their respective parties, will be a big
challenge for the grouping.
Separately, another observer Rubiyanto Misman said on Monday
that the grouping will strengthen democratization.
"As long as they can stay away from certain political powers,
the grouping can be a positive and objective opposition,"
Rubiyanto told the Post in Purwokerto, Central Java.
Rubiyanto warned the grouping that with their political
backgrounds it will be hard to keep from being tempted to use the
organization as way to gain political leverage.
Meanwhile in Jakarta, the official launch of Indonesian Axis
was held at a reception attended by figures from major parties.
Among PDI Perjuangan members who are not members of Indonesian
Axis attending the reception was Arifin Panogoro.
In his introductory speech Eros Djarot once again stressed
that Indonesian Axis was born to help grass roots people and as a
reaction to uncertain national policies to empower the people.
"We would like to have people with national interests in mind
and leave their personal or political party interests behind,"
Eros said.(dja/rms)