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)