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