Partial reporting dangerous

Partial reporting dangerous

In The Jakarta Post of Sept. 5, 1995, on page two, I read PPP,
PDI should become opposition parties. Nurcholis Majid was
reported to have said: "If the two parties function as opposition
parties, control over the executive branch of government would
become truly effective. Indonesia needs opposition parties to act
as a check on the government." This gives me an idea of Nurcholis
Majid's way of thinking.

After The Jakarta Post, I read the Indonesian language daily
Merdeka. There I read that Nurcholis Majid said: "It is about
time to allow the existence of opposition parties in our
political life to train democracy, without the necessity of
creating new parties." After reading this my opinion about the
political thinking of Nurcholis Majid changed.

Now, what does Kompas report (Sept. 6, 1995). Nurcholis Majid
said: "The presence of opposition parties is needed to help the
growth of democratic life. Opposition parties will activate
control and checks and balances in the state's life." This
complete reporting helps me to understand Nurcholis Majid better.

The Jakarta Post highlighted only a certain part of the
lecture and so did Merdeka. Only Kompas gave a rather complete
report.

I see partial reporting containing certain dangers, because it
can create different conclusions and different interpretations
which sometimes invite protests or harsh criticism. But I realize
that newspapers sometimes represent certain groups and interests.
So they report things as they see it through their colored
glasses.

In spite of all that, Nurcholis Majid's statement surprises
me. Why do we need an opposition party to make control of the
executive branch truly effective. The Indonesian Democratic Party
and United Development Party can control the executive branch,
just like Golkar is doing now. I don't think there is a law that
prohibits any party or political grouping from exercising
control. The important thing is the way it is done, whether it is
done with responsibility and an honest desire to bring about
improvement.

In fact, with or without the label opposition, control can be
achieved. A rather narrow minded reader might draw the conclusion
that an opposition party's job is to oppose the government.

"In the life of Pancasila Democracy, there is an honorable
place to express your opinion and to have a difference of
opinion. But the same honorable position must also be given to
responsibility." (25th anniversary of Gadjah Mada University,
Yogyakarta, Dec. 12, 1974). This was said a long time ago. If any
party wants to express their agreement or disagreement they are
free to do so, without waiting to be officially recognized as an
opposition party. The problem is: Do they have the courage?

"Pancasila Democracy does not recognize opposition groups as
is known in liberal democracy. Pancasila only knows of
deliberations to reach agreement." (State address, Aug. 16,
1967).

If we officially want opposition parties to exist, then we
must change Pancasila Democracy first. But we must not forget
that all parties have accepted Pancasila as their founding
principle.

"But whoever or whatever group wants to change Pancasila will
end in its own destruction" (State address, Aug. 16, 1975). Not
to mention point two of the Armed Forces' Sapta Marga (Seven
Ways): "We Indonesian patriots, bearers and defenders of the
State Ideology, are responsible and know of No Surrender."

However, according to our 1945 Constitution, Chapter 1,
article 1, sub-article 2, sovereignty is in the hands of the
people. So the people can state what they want -- if they follow
the proper procedures.

In the effort to maintain national unity, the press plays a
very important role. But wrong reporting, or partial reporting
creates serious differences.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta