Reforms are allowed

Reforms are allowed

Now it is clear: there is nothing wrong with the idea that
reforms are a necessity. President Soeharto himself, as stated by
Minister of Home Affairs Hartono and Minister of Information Alwi
Dahlan in their clarification of the President's earlier remarks,
has opened the door to political and economic reforms.

The State Policy Guidelines actually already contain a
framework for the reforms desired, although in very general
terms. For their implementation, further supporting legislation
is needed, such as specific laws, government regulations,
presidential decrees, presidential instructions and ministerial
regulations.

In legal principle, subordinate laws must concur with those
that rank above them. This is what often gives rise to problems.
Whenever the author of a subsidiary regulation fails to grasp the
spirit of the one superior to it -- or deliberately interprets it
to serve certain covert interests -- then divergences are bound
to occur. In such cases, it is the public is ultimately the
loser.

Thus, since the State Policy Guidelines decree a more
democratic and just national development policy, it is now up to
our political elite and those who are responsible for formulating
policies to execute this. It is a big job that calls for clear
and careful thinking. At the same time the whole process must be
carried out constitutionally.

Will the government and the House of Representatives be able
to accomplish all this? They should be provided that everyone
involved is willing to be amenable. All arrogance, or worse,
dishonesty designed to hide flaws or conceal interests must be
discarded.

After the President's statement, the public hopes Golkar and
the Armed Forces (ABRI), as the real pacesetters of national
politics, can lead the process. There is nothing to lose from
taking on such a role. Our people will even recognize such
efforts as a real contribution on their part to the nation and
the country.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta