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)