Sri Bintang's new party

For years many people have complained that Indonesia's current political system is outdated and should be reformed in line with new developments. One should remember that the current system was created and tailored by the New Order government some 25 years ago to depoliticize the country in order to achieve the "national stability" which was perceived as a prerequisite for the national development drive. Under this system only three political parties are allowed. And even they are banned from indulging in activities in the rural areas, under a scheme known as the "floating mass" system. This aims to keep the majority of the population politically inactive.

Some critics even go as far as to denounce the current political system as being obsolete and accuse the government of overzealously defending it in order to maintain the status quo.

Indications of such an attitude are abundant. The emergence twenty years ago of what is referred to as Golput (the white group) -- people who cast blank votes or intentionally damage their ballot papers in protest at the electoral system -- is just one example. In more recent years many people, particularly disenchanted young citizens, have chosen to form non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to channel their aspirations and frustrations, resulting in the establishment of thousands of NGOs. The increasing number of student demonstrations in the last few months demanding political reform also implies a growing dissatisfaction with the current system.

Hence, the establishment of a new political party, the Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI), by maverick politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas, should be seen from this perspective. Bintang may have his personal reasons for defying the current law by setting up the PUDI, but it is obvious that he is a very keen observer who is deliberately challenging the government by cultivating the existing discontent.

Judging from Bintang's statements following the PUDI's establishment, it is apparent that the new party is not a party in the old sense, in that it is not based on ideology, but is more of a coalition of government critics who have decided to test the temperature of the political water.

It will be interesting to see the follow-up to the government's refusal to recognize the new party, as stated by Minister of the Interior Yogie S. Memed earlier this week. In this context, one cannot help but liken the PUDI to the unlawful Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union which has successfully maintained its existence despite constant harassment and pressure from government officials.

Sri Bintang must have been well aware of the possible consequences of his doings. But he has nothing to lose since he will have to serve a 34-month jail term after being convicted of slandering President Soeharto, unless his appeal to the high court is accepted. By claiming that his party is an opposition party and that it provides "fresh blood which will heal Indonesian politics" it is obvious that Bintang wants to welcome young people into his fold.

The strongest point in support of the PUDI and other similar organizations which have defied the government's ban on political organizations, is Chapter 28 of the Constitution which guarantees the people's right to assemble and associate. Or, to use Sri Bintang Pamungkas' words, "Our legitimacy comes from the people". By flying this banner, it is obvious that Bintang wants to proclaim that any measures taken against his new party will run against the Constitution.

From the political standpoint, it is unlikely that the PUDI will shake the government's tight grip on the political system. However, if its establishment should trigger a snowballing effect, it might cause new headaches for the authorities.

The establishment of the PUDI is more evidence that times have changed. The very success of the national development drive has created a new generation, a new situation and a new way of thinking. All these should be addressed in a manner different from how we have become accustomed to handling the consequences of development.

It is time to review the current political format. To close the door to change with the excuse that the current system is a product of a national consensus arrived at some two or three decades ago, is to bury one's head in the sand.

After three decades of national development we have emerged as a stronger nation. Nobody in this country wants instability and chaos but a greater measure of democracy will not hurt us and will even make us a stronger nation.