Soesilo warns of political agitation

Soesilo warns of political agitation

JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman warned that some non-governmental organizations have been agitating to replace the Pancasila ideology and the 1945 Constitution.

Soesilo said on Saturday that while he did not see any systematic organized movement in support of the campaign to replace the current political system, the anti-government groups have been active and consistent in their campaign through non- governmental organizations and discussion forums.

Their campaign is quite far reaching, he said when briefing participants of a government-sponsored course to prepare people to disseminate information on Pancasila at the Bogor Palace, Antara reported.

He said these groups exploit every issue possible to twist them to their advantage, or, at least, to turn up the political heat. They have also organized discussion forums among themselves in order to forge a common perception, he added.

"But so far, we've not seen any planned mass movement by them that could disrupt the nation's political stability," he said.

The issues that they have exploited include the killings in Liquisa, East Timor, the controversy over soothsayer Permadi Satrio Wiwoho, drug trafficking, labor and land problems and the alternative press, he said.

Soesilo urged the 97 participants of the Pancasila course to maintain their vigilance against these groups.

The course is participated in by first echelon officials in the government and the military. (emb)