Petitioners establish new pro-democracy movement

JAKARTA (JP): Another pro-democracy movement was established yesterday bringing together more than 500 petitioners who are calling for sweeping political reforms in Indonesia.

The latest group, whose proponents say was formed by a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), is called Aliansi Demokrasi Rakyat (Alliance of People's Democracy), Aldera for short.

The petitioners include students, workers, farmers, professionals and activists from 15 towns in Indonesia, according to Aldera secretary general Standarkiaa.

The new group announced its founding during a press conference yesterday held at a foodstall at the Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center in Central Jakarta.

A number of ardent government critics were present at the modest ceremony, including Adnan Buyung Nasution, H.J.C. Princen, Chris Siner Key Timu, Rani Yunsih and Semsar Siahaan.

"It's good to see the courage and will to struggle for democracy amid intimidation, arrests and detentions (of those taking part in the struggle)," said Buyung. "We have a long way to struggle for our democracy. Be prepared to be arrested and sent to jail. That is the risk of the struggle," he added.

Yunsih said the group should remain consistent and faithful to their struggle. "Don't be like a mushroom in the rainy season, which disappears when the rain stops," he said.

The alliance is the latest in a string of pro-democracy movements established in the country in recent years. Virtually all of them disappeared immediately after they were established.

Some political commentators said many of these groups were established at the spur of the moment and that their proponents lacked the organizational skills necessary to maintain their existence and carry out their programs. (sim)