Reformists losing vision, embracing KKN

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Reformists are increasingly losing their vision to vested, personal interests four years after the authoritarian New Order government tumbled in 1998.

This alarm was sounded by People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais when opening the annual session here on Thursday.

Amien said the weakening commitment to reform was obvious from some politicians' reluctance to amend the 1945 Constitution for fear of losing privileges.

"The reality is that we have to change as the dynamic nature of the times necessitate it. We don't live in a static world. We live in a world that keeps taking leaps forward," he said.

Amien did not name those who reject constitutional reform. However, all the political factions in MPR, including Amien's National Mandate Party (PAN), have refused non-governmental activists' demands for a total revision of the Constitution by an independent commission.

They only want to amend some of articles of the Constitution.

"Let's not hesitate to go ahead with political reform. The 1945 Constitution is the legacy of Indonesia's founding fathers that we have to revitalize so that it can shine again."

Amien said the slow pace of reform had been hampered by rampant corruption, collusion and nepotism. He said the Megawati administration should take swift action otherwise Indonesia would become a "village of sinners".

There is a strong need to amend the Constitution so that it is attuned to globalization and the liberalism of the world. "Just like a house, don't let the building deteriorate without attempting to improve it," he added. "God willing, we will have a more modern, comprehensive and responsive Constitution. The amendment process is on the right track," he said.

For info Box:

The six point reform agenda: 1945 Constitutional amendment, law enforcement, end to military's political role, regional autonomy, clean governance and democracy.