Political reforms 'must lead to a cleaner govt'
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)