Small parties unite to promote democracy

JAKARTA (JP): A group of small political parties and non- governmental organizations declared on Thursday a joint force to promote national unity and democracy.

Called the Indonesian National Unity Forum (FNPI), the new organization will focus on educating the public about politics through seminars, discussions and studies, the forum's executive secretary, Goenadi Malang Joedo, said.

FNPI chairman Bambang Sulistomo added, however, that seven political parties and three NGOs which sponsored the forum would coalesce in the 2004 elections.

"In the near future we hope to form a coalition to throw the polls wide open in 2004. We learned from Malaysia's ruling party UMNO, which is made up of small parties," Bambang, who chairs the Indonesian Democrats Alliance Party (PADI), said.

Apart from PADI, the forum incorporates the National Democrats Party (PND), the Indonesian Party, the Murba Party, the Indonesian National Party-Marhaen (PNI-Massa Marhaen), Indonesian Nation's National Party (PNBI), Indonesian Unity in Diversity Party (PBI), the Women's Alliance, the Makrifatullah Foundation and the Forum for Victims of the New Order.

The political parties were among 48 parties contesting the June elections, but which failed to win enough votes to gain seats in the House of Representatives. The 462 House seats on offer went to seven parties.

According to the 1999 Election Law any party which fails to gain 2 percent of the vote in general elections are unable to contest the next polls. But the government decided to delay the enactment of the ruling, following protests lodged by the small parties.

Goenadi said FPNI was concerned about the unabated economic crisis, which to some extent had contributed to political uncertainty in the country.

"With our help, people won't be confused by discourse involving elite political figures whose words are hard to comprehend," he said.

Bambang said it would take FNPI some time to declare a coalition of parties contesting the 2004 elections.

"Many of us have found it psychologically difficult to put aside our old political frame of mind in observing the actual problems in the country. But we share a common vision about national unity," Bambang said.

He said intellectual activities the forum would conduct would contribute to its preparations for the 2004 polls. (emf)