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)