On democracy

Regarding, the article Better parties vital to Indonesia's democracy published in The Jakarta Post on March 5. The most effective way of strengthening both the reform process and national integrity is to build social structures that allow all Indonesians an equal opportunity to participate in contributing to state policy. In this way, voices can be heard not only from the urban super culture but also from the poorest village communities.

High socioeconomic status does not mean a monopoly on good ideas, as I discovered living for long periods in semi-rural Java. The New Order's "festival of democracy" days are over.

Involvement means participation. The modernization of the political party branch structure across Indonesia (consistent with the Indonesian social values of consensus, deliberation and mutual assistance) represents exciting possibilities for progressive policies, but also for the transparent accountability of office holders. This is one area where Australia, as a neighbor with a long history of participatory democracy, could make a far-reaching contribution to Indonesia's future. This is one area where aid would pay huge dividends in terms of real and lasting regional security.

ROB GOODFELLOW

Bandung