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.
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Jakarta