PPP vows to promote Moslem declaration

PPP vows to promote Moslem declaration

JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) pledged on
Monday to promote the 11-point declaration of the Indonesian
Moslem Congress as the party's agenda during the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR) Special Session, saying it reflects
the aspirations of the majority of Indonesians.

"I'm sorry I still cannot tell you which points of the
declaration will be included in our agenda," Antara quoted Qumari
Anwar, member of PPP faction in the Assembly, as saying.

In its declaration, issued Saturday after the-five day
congress, the 1,500 participants urged the government to abolish
Pancasila as the sole ideology for political parties and mass
organizations.

It also demanded a review of the role of the Armed Forces
(ABRI) in socio-political affairs, and the establishment of an
independent body to investigate corruption practices.

The congress also asserted that the government should conduct
thorough investigations over rights abuses in Tanjung Priok, the
Jakarta port district, Lampung, Aceh, East Timor and Irian Jaya.
The military has been blamed for these abuses.

It also demanded a solution to the cases of rape and looting
during the riots on May 13-15 in Jakarta.

The congress also called for better handling of the recent
rampant murders of ulemas in East Java and other provinces.

It also appealed to all Moslems and Moslem-based political
organizations to harmonize their views to win next year's general
election. "The victory is aimed at the realization of a civic and
democratic society," the declaration said.

The declaration however did not include the controversial
recommendation of a congress commission that the country's
president and vice president should be Moslem and male. (prb)