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)