Social inequality still worrisome, observer says

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)