Political reforms 'must lead to a cleaner govt'

JAKARTA (JP): In a hearing with members of the dominant Golkar faction, the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association said nothing short of political reform toward a more democratic system would lift the country out of its current doldrums.

Hendardi, the executive director of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) told Golkar legislators at the House of Representatives yesterday that reforms must propel the formation of a clean government with increased accountability to the people.

"We urge the current regime to be open and accommodating to the greater interest of the people and demands for political reform which lead to a more democratic political system," Hendardi said.

Among these reforms include an end to the floating mass policy, which for years has prevented people from taking part in the political process.

According to Hendardi, the policy has rendered the people politically powerless.

"The floating mass policy has to end and be replaced by a program that includes mass participation in politics. This will bring us closer to democracy," Hendardi said.

He also argued the government must no longer favor one political party over another.

"Golkar should consider letting other parties be its opposition," said Hendardi, who was accompanied by 30 members and supporters of the association.

Hendardi also urged the government to allow greater freedom of association whether they be independent workers, teachers or womens' groups.

He called on the government to abolish requirements which demand permits for groups to hold political gatherings.

"The way the New Order government views people should be corrected. It should not focus on subjugating and making the people submissive," he added.

Hendardi also urged the government to reduce the Armed Forces' dominant role in supervising public activities, adding that it should review the Armed Forces' dual role as political and social agents.

Hendardi also called the People's Consultative Assembly to clarify the mechanism for leadership succession and urged other factions to nominate their own candidates.

"They should not be parrots or be afraid of being defeated," he said.

Golkar's secretary-general Syamsul Mu'arif cautiously responded to the proposals.

He said the faction welcomed the economic reform proposals, such as abolishing business patronages.

But on many of the political proposals, Syamsul said Golkar would abide by its current political stance, including renominating President Soeharto for a seventh term.

All parties should contribute ideas to help find a way out of the current crisis and at the same time take into account other people's proposals, Syamsul said. No one should insist on their own ideas alone. (09)