Plan to reshuffle cabinet

Plan to reshuffle cabinet

From Neraca

A cabinet reshuffle planned in the framework of the government's version of reforms can be seen as a tentative move to improve the situation. However, the present stage is already very critical. Therefore, a reshuffle will not carry much weight for the development of the situation.

A joint statement by the National Reform Movement established spontaneously at a symposium at the University of Indonesia, Salemba, on May 16 clearly voiced the urgency of a special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) for the succession of the president and vice president. It is this succession that forms the essence of the movement's demands. Thus, the reshuffle will not be effective.

The problem now is, has the House of Representatives, so far only a supplement to the power, the courage to hold an MPR special session?

At the time of the revolution in 1966, President Sukarno with his noble spirit was resigned to be made a victim of the revolution for the nation's safety. If he wanted to put up resistance then, Bung Karno still had adequate forces at his disposal. But for the love of the nation's unity, he did not want to do it.

Can we hope from Pak Harto such noble wisdom? Let us pray for it. The people will see it as an attitude of great statesmanship.

That would pave the way for the MPR to immediately hold a special session with the main task to organize a free and democratic new general election.

Without a truly democratic basis, the main objective of reform -- that is the restoration of the people's sovereignty as an implementation of the 1945 Constitution -- will not be attained. For the safety of the people and the end of anarchy, we appeal to the wisdom of the president and vice president.

AGUS MIFTACH

Chairman of BLHI

Jakarta