Observers call for inclusive sense of nationalism
Observers call for inclusive sense of nationalism
SURABAYA (JP): A newly established organization made its high- profile presence felt yesterday by holding a national discussion on various subjects, including national leadership succession.
Speakers invited by the National Brotherhood Foundation, manned by retired generals such as Bambang Triantoro and Kharis Suhud, explored the question of how Indonesia can maintain stability during a period of great change.
They said the country needs an "inclusive" sense of nationalism, which embraces rather than excludes social groups. They also agreed that the key factor to avoiding disintegration is a cohesive Armed Forces (ABRI).
"ABRI is the main factor in determining whether (leadership) transition is radical or gradual," said Afan Gaffar, a political observer at the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University.
Afan expressed faith in the ability of ABRI leaders to adapt to leadership changes. Such ability has been displayed by members of the House of Representatives' ABRI faction who are often more responsive to issues than the other legislators, Afan said.
Foundation member Marzuki Darusman said that because politicians have not played a significant role in answering the public's demand for democracy, it is important that ABRI members do so.
"They should issue positive signals" that they will respond to the public's quest for democracy, he said.
Both "open" nationalism and a response to demands for democracy will hopefully ensure a smooth adjustment to changes and to the transition in national leadership, he said.
"We need more institutions open to various groups," seconded Midian Sirait, a former legislator.
Marzuki also expressed concern with the possibility of radical change.
"What is of great concern is whether ....a complete overhaul will take place like in the 1960s," Marzuki said, referring to the political upheaval sparked by the coup attempt of the outlawed Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).
He said, however, that such a radical development was not likely given the mechanisms in place.
"It doesn't have to happen if the government's legitimacy is based on a more inclusive nationalism," said Marzuki, who is also a member of the National Commission on Human Rights.
"A government is considered legitimate when its orientation...is based on an inclusive national perspective," he said.
Marzuki said that the political elite today is endlessly "in search of" a legitimate power base that is less reliant on the roles played during the installment of the New Order.
Another speaker, May. Gen. Samsuddin, expressed a similar belief. The former chief of the Trikora military command in Irian Jaya and a one-time legislator said the domination of the government by only a certain social political grouping is harmful.
The domination "blurs the distinction between government and social political grouping, and it renders the House powerless," he said.
Before the discussion, foundation chairman Bambang Triantoro led some 200 participants to pay their respects at the graves of two national leaders, Dr. Sutomo and W.R. Supratman, who wrote the national anthem Indonesia Raya.
House speaker Wahono addressed the opening of the discussion.
In his address, Wahono said that the younger generation can no longer be motivated by slogans, nostalgia of past struggles and speeches of self-glorification.
In the second session on culture, Umar Kayam of Gadjah Mada University spoke of the need to seek "alternative cultures" if the current Javanese political culture is too dominant.
Another speaker, Abdurrahman Wahid, however, said that as all political cultures here are paternalistic in nature, Indonesia needs to seek alternatives from all cultures, Javanese or non- Javanese.
The talks resumed in the evening with lectures on the economy by Kwik Kian Gie and Mari Pangestu, a researcher at the Centre of Strategic and International Studies.
Today's participants will divide into groups to discuss political, cultural and economic themes. (anr)