New order regime still strong, stifling reform movement

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)