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)