Political reforms only 'after 2003'

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that he was all for political and economic reforms but indicated that such reforms should only be implemented after 2003.

Soeharto said he was not adverse to the calls for reform in political system, however, he was obliged to carry out the presidential mandate from the People's Consultative Assembly to faithfully execute the State Policy Guidelines (GBHN) which runs until 2003.

Soeharto even detailed some areas where these reforms could take place such as changing the electoral system from proportional representation to a district system.

"The president explained that reforms were acceptable... (but) in the 1998 GBHN there are already elements of reform so if there are still demands for reform the President said it should be implemented from 2003 onward," Minister of Information Alwi Dahlan said.

Soeharto invited yesterday leaders of political organizations and factions of the House of Representatives to discuss the latest developments since the end of the plenary session of the Assembly on March 11.

The 80-minute meeting at Bina Graha presidential office was attended by 32 political party and faction leaders along with the House speaker and his deputies.

Also present were 11 cabinet members, 10 senior officers from Armed Forces Headquarters, Vice President B.J. Habibie and the head of the State Intelligence Coordinating Board Moetojib.

In a joint press conference with Minister of Home Affairs R. Hartono and Minister/State Secretary Saadilah Mursjid, Alwi maintained that suggestions for possible reforms could be made as much preparation was needed.

But Alwi stressed that "he (Soeharto) said if reforms have to take place it must be reforms prepared for after 2003".

"He (Soeharto) pointed out if there is anyone attempting to force a reform program outside the GBHN, they will be dealt with accordingly."

Demands for sweeping political and economic reforms have grown to a deafening pitch with students, joined by critics and noted political figures, holding rallies daily.

According to Minister Hartono, the president claimed that reforms were not a new advent as the country had been continuously undergoing reforms since its independence in 1945.

Soeharto did not comment much yesterday on the student demonstrations but, in the past, has urged students to return to the classroom.

Hartono also said Soeharto emphasized the need to pursue reforms in a constitutional manner because the government would not hesitate to take necessary measures if their actions hindered the development process.

"The people already have a guideline to 2003. So if anyone has desires for reform in the political field, for example, then go and prepare yourselves for after 2003."

Election

Hartono said among the possible areas of political reforms were a revision of the five political laws issued in 1985 covering mass organizations, role of the House and the Assembly, designations of political parties and functional groups, referendums and general elections.

The President in particular referred to the electoral system.

Hartono said Soeharto explained that the district system had been proposed when drawing up the electoral laws but was rejected by political groups who said they did not have qualified cadres in the regions.

"But the President reminded that 30 years had passed and there were now capable university graduates in various corners of the country. So the idea of a district system is more open after 2003."

Hartono said Soeharto strongly rejected criticism that the executive domineered the legislative branch.

"The President said it was a mistaken perception. There are already rules on this" he said pointing to the "right of initiative".

On the question of the Armed Forces' (ABRI) role in the political system, the President stated categorically that it would remain a sociopolitical force in Indonesia.

"He (Soeharto) said ABRI cannot be considered a military and defense force alone, but must continue to be regarded as a sociopolitical force," Minister Alwi Dahlan said. "There is some criticism that ABRI is merely there to maintain the status quo, this he (Soeharto) said is untrue".

Active Armed Forces members do not vote in general elections but are allocated 75 seats in the 500-strong House.

"Well if this is reformed, then ABRI would participate in the general elections as a sociopolitical force like other political organizations," Alwi said.

Separately head of the United Development Party in the House Hamzah Haz said after attending the meeting that the party would discuss the needed reforms touched on by the president.

However he noted that any sort of changes or reforms would have to be done through the passing of laws which can only be conducted by the House.

Meanwhile, Vice President Habibie claimed that the New Order government has remained bulwark of reform manifested in various laws and decrees.

"We don't want to see reforms which have a negative impact on the nation, reforms should promote development not hamper it," he said. (prb)