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