Speaker supports calls for more democracy

Speaker supports calls for more democracy

JAKARTA (JP): House Speaker Wahono insists it is high time for
the government to meet public demand for more democracy,
something he said was bound to come given the people's increasing
political awareness.

"The era of exploitation, of power above the law, and so on,
is over. We are now entering the era of openness and transparency
-- where power is a mandate that should be made accountable in
detail," Wahono said in a speech kicking off the 1995/96 working
session of the House of Representatives on Thursday.

"It is necessary to give wider opportunities to the people to
develop their political awareness in a sound an responsible
manner to comply with Pancasila democracy," Wahono said at the
meeting.

There is now greater public awareness and cynicism, he said.
"There is an even greater demand by the people for democracy."

The Speaker noted that this trend appeared to be growing, as
illustrated by the greater number of people who openly aired
their opinion on various issues, even state matters. "The people
are demanding more openness and greater participation, and they
also want to correct issues which they believe are inconsistent
with development policies."

Loud cheers rose from the floor as Wahono hammered home his
point about the need for greater democracy.

As in past major speeches, he used the occasion not solely to
congratulate the government on its achievements, but also to
remind it of pressing issues that require attention.

He found many disparities, which he said could undermine
national unity and cohesion unless addressed and resolved.

One disparity is the business structure, which is dominated by
a handful of big businesses, he said. "Such a structure makes the
economic foundation and competitive edge of our business
community weak."

There are also large gaps in the rate of development between
different provinces in the country, between the rural and urban
sectors, and between the rich and the poor, he outlined.

Wahono underlined the urgent need to improve the Indonesian
legal system, saying that the services and achievements of the
country's legal institutions in upholding justice fall far short
of expectations.

He attributed this in part to the "human factor", particularly
judges' dedication and professionalism.

The meeting on the eve of Independence Day was attended by
President Soeharto, who read his yearly state of the nation
address.

Local and foreign dignitaries were also present for the
occasion, including 18 people from Pakistan, Malaysia, India,
Thailand, Japan and Britain who took part in the struggle for
Indonesia's independence in the late 1940s.

There were also representatives from Surinam, Malaysia,
Australia, the European parliament and the American Congress.
(emb)