Nov. 11 caucus established by 32 legislators

Nov. 11 caucus established by 32 legislators

JAKARTA (JP): Thirty-two "alumni" of a recent informal meeting
of legislators announced on Wednesday the establishment of the
November 11 Caucus, a discussion forum meant to seek solutions to
the nation's problems.

"The caucus will organize weekly discussions where all its
members will be allowed to express their opinions and ideas
freely.

"The results of our discussions will be put into
recommendations for the House of Representatives and the
executive to follow up on," said Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) legislator Kwik Kian Gie, who initiated
the Nov. 11, 2000, informal meeting of the legislators.

He said the caucus was not meant to serve as a rival to the
House, but as an informal discussion forum for the legislators.

"The public should not be wary of the caucus. It has a noble
mission to help seek solutions to the nation's major problems.

"The caucus is not seeking to topple President Abdurrahman
Wahid, although it may be very critical of the government," he
said, adding that similar caucuses could be found in many
democratic countries.

Of the forum members, 13 are from PDI Perjuangan, six from
Golkar Party, three from the United Development Party (PPP), four
from the National Mandate Party (PAN), four from the Crescent
Star Party (PBB), one from the Justice Party (PK) and the
remaining one is an individual.

Among them are Ade Komaruddin, Fahmi Idris, Syamsul Mu'arif
and Enggartiasto Lukito of Golkar; Bachtiar Chamsyah and
Suryadarma Ali of PPP; former finance minister Bambang Sudibyo,
House Deputy Speaker Hatta Rajasa and People's Consultative
Assembly Deputy Speaker A.M. Fatwa of PAN; Ahmad Sumargono and
Hartono Mardjono of PBB; Arifin Panigoro, House Deputy Speaker
Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno, Mochtar Buchori, Sutjipto and Zulvan
Lindan of PDI Perjuangan.

No members of the Indonesian Military/National Police or
National Awakening Party (PKB) factions joined the forum.

Ade Komaruddin said the caucus was expected to contribute to
the House through the factions in the legislative body.

"We set up the caucus not to fight for power and our political
interests, but for the interests of the nation," he said.

Didi Supriyanto, a member of the PDI Perjuangan faction, said
the caucus was needed because of the House's failure to carry out
its duties.

"The caucus would not be necessary if the House functioned
effectively," he said.

Hartono Mardjono said all of the legislators who had joined
the discussion forum were deeply concerned by the numerous
conflicts threatening national unity.

"We are all of the same opinion that the military and the
National Police should no longer be persecuted for any
wrongdoings they may have committed in the past. They should be
given a role (in guarding the nation) in line with their defense
and security tasks," he said.

He said that according to the caucus, the people and the
military should join together to restore order and security and
reduce the threat of national disintegration.

The caucus voiced concern on Wednesday with President
Abdurrahman Wahid's frequent overseas trips, which it said had
done nothing to benefit Indonesia's foreign ties, especially with
neighboring countries.

"The President has made numerous foreign trips, but more and
more foreign countries are losing sympathy for Indonesia,"
Hartono said, citing as an example the President's recent visit
to Singapore.

He said no members of the UN Security Council took Indonesia's
side in the case of the three murdered UN humanitarian workers in
Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara, last September.

Hartono also suggested Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab
focus on his job of repairing Indonesia's ties with the
international community, rather than worrying about matters
beyond his authority. (rms/02)