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)