PKB wants compromise over spat on communism

PKB wants compromise over spat on communism

JAKARTA (JP): The National Awakening Party (PKB) Faction in
the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is proposing a
compromise in the heated debate over communism by allowing such
teachings in academic circles but not the growth of communist
political parties.

If acceptable, the compromise could be a way out of the debate
which has pitted President Abdurrahman Wahid and several Islamic
leaning politicians.

Faction chairman Yusuf Muhammad told journalists on Monday,
that amendments should be made to allow communist and Marxist
teachings to survive based on the freedom of knowledge.

However such freedom of knowledge should not foster
alternative teachings, which can endanger the existence of
Pancasila and 1945 Constitution.

He added that amendments should also contain an article which
rehabilitates those who have unfairly suffered due to the
implementation of the Provisional People's Consultative Assembly
Decree No. 25/1966.

President Abdurrahman has suggested that the decree banning
communism be revoked, much to the chagrin of many critics.

The decree was the legal basis to dissolve the Indonesian
Communist Party (PKI) which was accused of masterminding the
abortive coup in 1965. The decree also prohibited all communist
teachings in the country.

The President has maintained that educating people about the
threat of communism, instead of conducting unlawful and inhumane
practices, is the best way to prevent the spread of communism.

Instead of generalizing all communist activity and teachings,
a revision has been proposed which specifically stipulates that
organizations affiliated with the PKI and other communist
political parties be considered illegal.(dja)