New order regime still strong, stifling reform movement

JAKARTA (JP): Although Soeharto has been dethroned, his New Order legacy through its political machine, the Golkar Party, remains strong and is stifling the reform movement, observers said on Friday.

In a discussion held by the National Dialog Committee (KRN) which was attended by political activists and observers, such as Arbi Sanit, Teten Masduki, Eros Djarot, features of the New Order regime were viewed as one of the main detriments to reform.

Arbi of the University of Indonesia, noted that the current debate over the appointment of the Supreme Court chief justice was an example of the continuing influence of New Order forces.

He said the lingering strength of such forces was a result of the reformists failure to make a clean break from the past, forcing them to eventually make compromises.

"People who worked for the reform movement, are compromising with the New Order forces because of their own personal political interests," he said.

Many of those who attended the discussion even demanded the banning of Golkar as a requirement to achieve the reform movement's goals.

Meanwhile, the working group of the Petisi 50 group in an end of year political statement on Friday also issued a similar warning against elements loyal to the New Order.

"The anti-democratic system of the New Order regime still exists. Golkar as the New Order machine is still strong and has adopted a new label," the group said adding that the current move to topple President Abdurrahman Wahid would only clear the way for the New Order to return to power.

Separately the Crescent Star Party (PBB) secretary-general M.S. Ka'ban told journalists on Friday that it's end of year evaluation of President Abdurrahman Wahid's performance, concluded that his administration was unfocused.

"In many fields, such as legal affairs, the economy, and also domestic and foreign policy, the cabinet is still weak," Ka'ban remarked.

On legal affairs, Ka'ban said the government has failed to show seriousness in solving problems regarding corruption, collusion and nepotism, he said.

While in economic matters, Ka'ban said the president has no clear concept to revive the economy.

"I'm afraid he will fail to implement regional autonomy next year due to the lack of human resources in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy," Ka'ban said.

The party concluded that if the president does not change his leadership style, he will continue to fail miserably.

Meanwhile, researchers at the Social and Political Laboratory at the National University predicted that tension among political elites will continue to rise next year.

Head of the laboratory Diana Fawzia told reporters on Friday that the tension will most likely peak in the first semester of 2001.

"We're suggesting two alternatives for the problems. That involves either conducting a People's Consultative Assembly Special Session or hastening the General Election. But of course, each has its own consequences," she said.

For the Special Session, Diana said, there are two agendas. The first one is to give President Abdurrahman Wahid an opportunity to continue his job with several stipulations.

"If he rejects this agenda, then we have to refer to the constitution and appoint the Vice President as President," she added.

But according to Diana, the Special Session scenario will not change the structure of the political elite and thus political challenges are likely to continue.

"A general election on the other hand could change the existing political elite. But the cost is high, both politically and financially," Diana said. (02/hdn/jun)