Social inequality still worrisome, observer says

SOLO, Central Java (JP): Disparities in wealth between various social groups remain a matter of concern 50 years after Indonesia achieved independence, according to a leading intellectual.

Franz von Magnis-Suseno says greed on the part of government officials and their families causes social gaps to widen and is a serious problem.

"Their (the officials') greed could threaten national stability," the German-born philosopher and social-political observer told a discussion held to mark Indonesia's 50th anniversary of independence here on Monday. Magnis-Suseno did not say what he meant by "greed."

He said that half a century after the proclamation of independence, Indonesians are still grappling with social injustices.

"Social justice is still far from being realized, while the fruits of development are distributed unevenly," he said.

Another problem hampering development is "social violence" which stems from conflicts between those who are wealthy and powerful and those who are poor, such as farmers, workers, and street traders, he said.

Magnis-Suseno said the existing political system should not be allowed to become a mere theory: it should be carried out, and its instruments, such as the legislative bodies, should be allowed to play their proper roles.

"A democratic state must uphold laws to guarantee people's rights...This should be realized," Magnis-Suseno said. "Without democracy, we won't be able to achieve the goals of our national development."

Organized by the Regina Pacis High School, the discussion also featured Broto Semedi, who teaches theology at Satya Wacana Christian University in Salatiga, Central Java; and Luqman Suryani, an activist with a local non-government organization.

The speakers discussed the roles that religion can play in the face of such social and political challenges.

Magnis-Suseno said that religions do not always play a positive role. Religious conflicts, for example, have often hurt the development of various nations, he warned.

"In this context, religions play a negative role," he said. "In many parts of the world, there are religions or groups which use religions so as to cause nations to fall apart."

Also in the name of religions, groups of people have been involved in terrorism and civil wars, he said. "These (religious) groups have caused people to suffer injustices," Magnis-Suseno said.

Magnis advised followers of whatever religion that, if they wished to play a positive role, they should discard the tendency to focus on their individual concerns.

"Religious groups should act as pioneers in the campaign for universal human rights and respect the dignity of any member of society," he said.

"Religions should fight for the protection of human rights and social justice," he said. "The followers of Catholicism, especially, should not insulate themselves and be preoccupied with their own lives...Instead, they should fully participate in every dimension of the nation's life and in development," he added.

Magnis-Suseno, who is also a Catholic priest, said the followers of Catholicism should befriend and cooperate with members of other religions in Indonesia.

Indonesia recognizes five religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism and Buddhism. Moslems make up almost 88 percent of Indonesia's population of 195 million people. (har/swe)